Summer 2026 Public Relations Intern at McKinney | Los Angeles, CA

McKinney

Summer 2026 Public Relations Intern

Los Angeles, CA (On-site)

Salary Not AvailableIntern/New GradInternship

Posted 5 months ago

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Job Summary

McKinney’s PR internship focuses on developing earned media strategies, drafting press materials, and researching target outlets, with opportunities to monitor trends, coordinate events, and collaborate across teams. The role emphasizes strong writing, relationship-building, organization, and proactive problem-solving within a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. The program offers hands-on experience, portfolio development, mentorship, and a view into the full lifecycle of PR campaigns.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Support the PR team in developing and executing earned media strategies and integrated communications plans.
Draft press materials including press releases, media alerts, pitch letters, and briefing documents for client initiatives.
Conduct media research and build targeted media lists using industry tools like Cision or Muck Rack.
Monitor daily news cycles and industry trends to identify "newsjacking" opportunities for our brands.
Assist with event coordination and influencer outreach programs.
Help manage media tracking and monthly reporting to showcase the impact of PR efforts.
Participate in brainstorms and contribute creative ideas
Collaborate with cross functional teams including social, creative, strategy, influencer, production and more to ensure a consistent brand voice across channels

Requirements

A rising junior, senior, recent grad, or graduate student pursuing Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
A strong writer who can adapt their tone based on client voice for everything from a formal press release to a punchy media pitch.
News-literate, pop-culture obsessed and deeply curious about the evolving media landscape, from traditional outlets to emerging social platforms.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
A "people person" who enjoys building relationships and isn't afraid to pick up the phone or send a cold pitch.
Proactive and resourceful—you’re a problem solver who looks for the story where others see data.
Collaborative, adaptable, and energized by the challenge of getting people to talk about our work.

Benefits

Hands-on experience in a modern PR environment where earned media meets creative advertising.
A portfolio of written work, including published press releases or successful media placements.
Exposure to the full lifecycle of a PR campaign, from strategy and pitching to measurement and reporting.
Mentorship from seasoned PR professionals and communications strategists.
A deeper understanding of how PR integrates with creative, strategy, and social media teams.
A network of teammates and industry contacts who will champion your career growth.

McKinney

McKinney is a full-service creative agency that generates unfair attention for brands. In 2024 and 2025, McKinney was named to both Ad Age’s A-List and its list of Best Places to Work – two years in a row – and was recognized as one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024, reinforcing the agency's commitment to providing an exceptional workplace culture where employees thrive and creativity flourishes. McKinney Health, the agency’s Pharma and Wellness practice launched in 2022, was named as the Manny's 2025 Agency of the Year, Category III. McKinney is part of the Cheil network and has offices across North America, including Durham, New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Toronto. McKinney has been recognized by Cannes Lions, Effies, The One Show, D&AD, ANDY, CLIO, LIA, the Shortys, and The Webby Awards, among others. Client partners include brands such as Popeyes, Blue Diamond Growers, Little Caesars, Pampers, Henkel, Samsung, Indivior, Sherwin-Williams, Biogen and the Ad Council. For more information, visit mckinney.com.

Founded in 1969

Durham, North Carolina, USA

372 employees (116 in marketing)

mckinney.com