Communications Intern
Ara, Panama City, FL, United States
Job Category: Engineering Support Services
Requisition Number: COMMU009716
Posted : April 10, 2026
Part-Time
On-site
Locations
Applied Research Associates (ARA) is an employee-owned engineering and research company with expertise spanning defense, energy, transportation, and infrastructure. We are seeking a motivated communications intern to support client-facing communications work on behalf of federal and state government agencies, helping convey the impact of complex programs and research to a variety of stakeholders.
As a communications intern at ARA, you will gain hands-on experience developing communications products in support of federal and state government clients. Working alongside ARA’s communications professionals, you’ll help craft clear, audience‑appropriate messaging that explains technical programs, policies, and initiatives to government stakeholders, partner organizations, and the public.
Please note that this position is in Panama City, FL. No relocation assistance will be provided.
What we offer
Mentorship from experienced communications professionals with deep federal and state agency expertise
Exposure to meaningful government programs spanning national security, infrastructure, energy, and more
Competitive hourly compensation
Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments
Opportunity to build a professional portfolio through real client deliverables
What you will do as a communications intern
Draft, edit, and proofread communications materials including fact sheets, talking points, web content, newsletters, and executive correspondence on behalf of government agency clients
Translate technical or policy-dense information into accessible content for a range of audiences
Support the development of strategic communications plans, messaging frameworks, and stakeholder engagement materials
Conduct research to inform communications strategies and support thought leadership efforts
Contribute to quality reviews of deliverables to ensure consistency with client brand and style standards
Assist with graphics and layout preparation in collaboration with design staff
Communications intern required qualifications
Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in communications, journalism, English, public relations, marketing, business, public administration, or a related field
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to audience and tone
Ability to distill complex technical or policy information for general audiences
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with content management systems a plus
Detail‑oriented with strong organizational and time management skills
Professional demeanor and ability to work effectively in a client‑service environment
Preferred experience
Background or coursework in government, public policy, defense, or federal or state contracting
Experience with social media management or digital communications tools
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar design tools
Prior internship or work experience in communications, marketing, or a government‑adjacent setting
Portfolio of writing samples demonstrating range and adaptability
About ARA
ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs more than 2,200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in civil technologies, computer software and simulation, defense technologies, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for pavement analysis, environmental site characterization, and robotics.
ARA embraces the core values of passion, freedom, service, and growth. We provide a working environment in which highly qualified technical professionals can pursue their specialties with a maximum of support and a minimum of bureaucracy. These individuals form a network of colleagues with complementary capabilities, similar goals, and a willingness to cooperate on challenging and important technical problems. We strive for long‑term associations among our staff and with our clients.
We recognize that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Requisition Number: COMMU009716
Posted : April 10, 2026
Part-Time
On-site
Locations
Applied Research Associates (ARA) is an employee-owned engineering and research company with expertise spanning defense, energy, transportation, and infrastructure. We are seeking a motivated communications intern to support client-facing communications work on behalf of federal and state government agencies, helping convey the impact of complex programs and research to a variety of stakeholders.
As a communications intern at ARA, you will gain hands-on experience developing communications products in support of federal and state government clients. Working alongside ARA’s communications professionals, you’ll help craft clear, audience‑appropriate messaging that explains technical programs, policies, and initiatives to government stakeholders, partner organizations, and the public.
Please note that this position is in Panama City, FL. No relocation assistance will be provided.
What we offer
Mentorship from experienced communications professionals with deep federal and state agency expertise
Exposure to meaningful government programs spanning national security, infrastructure, energy, and more
Competitive hourly compensation
Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments
Opportunity to build a professional portfolio through real client deliverables
What you will do as a communications intern
Draft, edit, and proofread communications materials including fact sheets, talking points, web content, newsletters, and executive correspondence on behalf of government agency clients
Translate technical or policy-dense information into accessible content for a range of audiences
Support the development of strategic communications plans, messaging frameworks, and stakeholder engagement materials
Conduct research to inform communications strategies and support thought leadership efforts
Contribute to quality reviews of deliverables to ensure consistency with client brand and style standards
Assist with graphics and layout preparation in collaboration with design staff
Communications intern required qualifications
Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in communications, journalism, English, public relations, marketing, business, public administration, or a related field
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to audience and tone
Ability to distill complex technical or policy information for general audiences
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with content management systems a plus
Detail‑oriented with strong organizational and time management skills
Professional demeanor and ability to work effectively in a client‑service environment
Preferred experience
Background or coursework in government, public policy, defense, or federal or state contracting
Experience with social media management or digital communications tools
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar design tools
Prior internship or work experience in communications, marketing, or a government‑adjacent setting
Portfolio of writing samples demonstrating range and adaptability
About ARA
ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs more than 2,200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in civil technologies, computer software and simulation, defense technologies, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for pavement analysis, environmental site characterization, and robotics.
ARA embraces the core values of passion, freedom, service, and growth. We provide a working environment in which highly qualified technical professionals can pursue their specialties with a maximum of support and a minimum of bureaucracy. These individuals form a network of colleagues with complementary capabilities, similar goals, and a willingness to cooperate on challenging and important technical problems. We strive for long‑term associations among our staff and with our clients.
We recognize that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr