Summer 2026 Corporate Internship at Derris in New York, NY

ABOUT DERRIS 

Derris is part of Orchestra, a strategic communications and marketing company built for today’s complex and fragmented world. From decoding audiences to designing bold strategies, Orchestra integrates people, platforms, and stories that stick to help clients build lasting influence. The company offers programs that span from the highest level strategic business counsel through to tactical execution. Orchestra brings together 700+ people with experience across consumer and lifestyle, technology, nonprofit and philanthropy, real estate, sports, travel, hospitality, and more. Made up of leading firms BerlinRosen, Civitas Public Affairs Group, Derris, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward, and Small Girls PR. Orchestra also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals, and Versus Media Group, a strategy-first political media team. Learn more at www.orchestraco.com.

People of all backgrounds and abilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Orchestra is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff, and recognizes that its continued success depends on hiring and retaining high-quality creative professionals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Opportunities for advancement exist, and we are committed to helping all staff develop and grow.

 

ABOUT THE CORPORATE INTERNSHIP

Interested in the strategy and operations behind creative work? Orchestra is seeking driven, detail-oriented individuals to join our Summer 2026 Corporate Internship Program. This hands-on experience offers exposure to the business, operational, and strategic functions that power a leading communications firm.

Corporate interns are embedded within a specific team and contribute to both long-term initiatives and day-to-day operations. You will gain practical experience in areas such as business strategy, project management, financial planning, organizational development, and internal communications, while learning how high-performing teams enable exceptional client work.

Interns participate in cross-functional meetings and collaborate with colleagues across the firm, gaining insight into how systems, processes, and people drive growth and impact.

• Duration: May 26, 2026 - August 21, 2026
• Location: Hybrid internship based in our New York, N.Y. or Washington, D.C. offices (minimum 3 days/week in-office)
• Compensation: Interns receive a standard rate of $18/hour. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

As an intern, you will…

• Support team workflows, processes, and operational initiatives
• Contribute to internal projects such as research, reporting, documentation, and coordination
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and collaborate across departments
• Assist with planning, tracking, and execution of strategic initiatives
• Help maintain systems and tools that support organizational efficiency

Qualifications:

• Rising junior or senior, postgraduate student, or early-career professional with relevant interest or experience
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive mindset and willingness to take ownership of assigned work
• Curiosity about business operations, strategy, finance, people systems, or agency management
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office

CORPORATE INTERNSHIPS TRACKS  

Interns are placed within one primary team while gaining exposure to Orchestra’s broader operations.

• Client Management: Oversees project management, resourcing, and workflow coordination to ensure consistent, high-quality client execution
  
  
• Business Development: Supports new business strategy, pitch development, and growth initiatives across the firm.
  
  
• Business Operations: Manages internal systems, reporting, and process improvement initiatives that drive operational efficiency.
  
  
• Marketing: Supports internal communications, brand awareness and audience growth across channels.
  
  
• People & Culture: Focuses on people strategy, organizational development, and building an inclusive, high-performing workplace.
  
  
• Product: Develops tools, platforms, and systems that enhance collaboration and delivery.
  
  
• Finance: Supports budgeting, forecasting, and financial operations that sustain agency performance and growth.

For internship opportunities in communications and media, please apply to our Communications internship program. 

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, please submit the following materials as PDFs:

• Resume (1-2 pages): Highlight relevant professional, academic, volunteer, or extracurricular experience.
  
  
• Cover letter (500 words or less): Tell us why you are interested in Orchestra’s Communications Internship Program, how your skills and experiences prepare you to contribute, and which team(s) you are most interested in joining.

Application deadline: Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2026 to be considered.

Due to application volume, we are unable to respond to all submissions. We will reach out directly to candidates selected for interviews. We kindly ask that you do not call, email, or contact us to confirm receipt of your application or inquire about your status.