Summer Associate
High Lantern Group 2026 Summer Associate Program: Washington, D.C.
High Lantern Group (HLG) is a strategic positioning and reputation management consultancy focused on developing early-stage strategy and communications. We partner with clients to take on the world’s most complex issues. High Lantern Group works in every industry with the largest global companies and leading nonprofits. In every case, we draw on a network of expertise and decades of experience to deliver original work that makes an impact.
Summer Associate Program Overview
Our Summer Associate (SA) Program is a structured, competitive twelve-week program. Summer Associates will be exposed to a wide range of consulting work in the fields of strategic communications, public affairs, public policy, and business strategy. SAs will be well-integrated team members, and responsibilities include drafting client deliverables (such as research summaries, newsletters, social media messaging, and press releases), constructing both internal and client-facing presentations, coordinating projects, and assisting with administrative duties. In addition, SAs will have access to HLG resources and leadership, making the experience both intellectually stimulating and supportive of career aspirations.
High Lantern Group is hiring Summer Associates for our main U.S. offices in New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Washington, D.C.; Asheville, NC; and Atlanta, GA.
Applying to multiple offices is welcome. Candidates will be expected to commit to a full-time
position for twelve weeks, from May 26 to August 14 and may start earlier upon request and availability.
The DC Office
High Lantern Group’s Washington, DC office primarily focuses on serving clients within the healthcare, advocacy, and pharmaceutical sectors. We represent 7 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies, work with leading advocacy and international organizations on critical health issues, including mental health and Alzheimer’s, and other healthcare influencers. Our normal operating hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
General Qualifications
Candidates for High Lantern Group’s Summer Associate Program must have 1-2 years of work experience; or be a recent college graduate or be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program. We do review applications for interns on a rolling basis. Please check our website for available internship opportunities.
We seek motivated self-starters who have experience with or an interest in strategic communications, business, and public policy. Ideal candidates have excellent writing, research, and communication skills, strong attention to detail, the capacity to balance multiple responsibilities, and the ability to work independently.
Preferred Qualifications for Summer Associates in DC
- Motivated self-starter with both relevant experience and interest in healthcare and/or public health, advocacy, communications, business, and/or public policy
- Excellent writing, research, and communication skills
- Experience developing clear and compelling communication materials, both in writing and in PowerPoint presentations
- Strong organization, attention to detail and time management skills
- Capability to summarize key insights, discussions, takeaways and next steps from internal and client meetings
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Graphic design experience, using platforms such as Adobe, Canva and Microsoft Office
- Social media proficiency or expertise
- Previous professional or volunteer experience within the Alzheimer’s space
- Fluency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word), Google Drive, Canva and/or major social media platforms
Compensation
Summer Associates will be compensated $22/hour with the expectation of a 40-hour workweek.
How to Apply
Please apply online at www.highlanterngroup.com/careers. You are required to submit a cover letter and resume bundled as one document.
Applications are due by Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. PST. Candidates will be notified if selected for an interview. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Tuesday, January 6, 2026: Summer Associate application process opens
- Friday, February 6, 2026: Summer Associate application deadline
- Friday, March 20, 2026: Candidate selection deadline
- Tuesday, May 26 – Friday, August 14, 2026: 12-week Summer Associate Program
About High Lantern Group
High Lantern Group focuses on strategy, leadership communications, and coalition building for large companies and non-profit organizations. For more than 15 years the firm has worked directly with senior leaders of some of the world’s largest businesses and social sector groups.
Our team is comprised of highly experienced, thoughtful, and innovative partners who bring with them an unusual degree of exposure to business practices, leadership trends, and cutting-edge public affairs strategies.
Please visit our website at www.highlanterngroup.com to learn more.