Administrative Intern I - PUBLIC AFFAIRS (Communications)

Description

This recruitment will remain open until May 5, 2026. The agency reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening date on April 28, 2026. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Make a Difference: Protect Consumers & Join Our Dynamic Team!

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) seeks qualified individuals for the Administrative Intern I – Public Affairs position. This role is within the Public Affairs Division and is based out of our Tumwater Office.

We are an employer of choice! Here’s why:

• Meaningful work: Ensure a healthy insurance market & protect Washington consumers.
• Impactful career: Make a daily difference in the lives of countless Washingtonians.
• Small agency, big opportunities: Gain a holistic understanding of our mission and build strong relationships with colleagues.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion: OIC is committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment - by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, and attributes.

About the Position

We’re excited to launch the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s Internship Program and are looking for motivated college students and recent graduates who are interested in strategic communications, public affairs, digital media, or state government service to join the Public Affairs Division. This inaugural internship program is designed to introduce emerging professionals to state government and build awareness of how agencies communicate, engage, and serve the public.

The Public Affairs Division is responsible for shaping and sharing the agency’s mission through strategic communications, digital engagement, and user experience. The team manages internal and external communications, the agency’s website and intranet content, and social media channels, while also supporting media relations, public outreach, and cross-agency engagement efforts.

Interns will contribute to our agency’s communication projects. Responsibilities may include conducting research, assisting with message development, media relations, planning outreach strategies, data collection and reporting, preparing written summaries, and helping coordinate outreach activities. Interns will gain exposure to how messaging is developed and distributed across a variety of platforms to support consumer education and public understanding.

This position provides meaningful, real-world experience in government communications and regulatory work, while supporting the agency’s mission to protect consumers, the public interest, and Washington’s economy through fair and efficient regulation of the insurance industry.

This recruitment may be used to establish a qualified pool of candidates for Administrative Intern I vacancies in the next sixty days.

This is a non-perm/ temporary in-office position lasting 12 weeks, with an expected schedule of 20-25 hours per week.

This is a Washington General Service position. The hourly rate for this position is $20.09.

Benefits & Perks

• Supportive work environment: We value diversity, professional growth, and collaborative atmosphere.
• Wellness programs: Invest in your well-being with on-site resources and initiatives.
• Public service fulfillment: Contribute to a cause that matters and feel the satisfaction of serving the public good.
• Free parking (Tumwater) & Public transportation pass (Thurston County): Save on commuting costs.
• And more! Explore our website for additional benefits: https://www.insurance.wa.gov

Duties

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age at the time of hire
• Completion of at least four semesters or six quarters work (or equivalent) at an accredited* college or university

• Recent college graduate (within 6 months of graduation) majoring in

• Coursework in communications, journalism, or media
• Knowledge of proper grammatical constructions and sentence/ paragraph development
• Demonstrated ability to follow directions, comprehend directives and regulations, conduct research and compile meaningful written reports
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Attention to detail and follow-through
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, plain language
• Experience writing for different formats, including social media, web, talking points
• Demonstrated interest in public service or government communications
• Sound judgement in identifying credible sources
• Willingness to receive feedback and revise work
• Understanding of how news media works
• Familiarity of with social media platforms and basic analytics

Ready to join us?

Learn more about the OIC by visiting our website. We encourage you to check out our video below and listen to what our employees have to say about working here!

Welcome to the OIC

Submit your application today and take the first step towards a rewarding career at the OIC!

Cover Letter: Required

Resume: Required

Transcripts: Required

Supplemental Information

• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

• State law (RCW 48.02.090[5]) prohibits employees of the OIC from having any interest, directly or indirectly, in an insurance company other than as a policyholder. This prohibition includes the receipt of renewal commissions. If employment is accepted with this agency, you agree to abide by this state law.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• If claiming veteran status, please send your DD 214 to recruitment@oic.wa.gov with Administrative Intern I_2026-03367 in the subject line. Please do not attach the DD 214 to your application materials. Please black out personally identifiable data such as social security numbers.
• The Office of Insurance Commissioner is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at Recruitment@oic.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
• If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing (log in, password or email issues) or completing your application (error messages), please call toll-free at (855) 524-5627.
• Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact us at recruitment@oic.wa.gov.