What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Summer 2026 Internship position at Foundation for Defense of Democracies?
Internship Opportunities
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.
About FDD's Internship Program
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Communications Department
The Communications Department is seeking full-time and part-time interns with an interest in foreign policy, journalism, communications and public relations, social and digital media, web design, and marketing. Interns will experience Washington's fast-paced media environment and see first-hand how policy and media intersect. Interns will monitor the organization's media profile, assist in tracking media metrics, assist in developing contacts in broadcast/print media, utilize writing skills to synthesize research products, help craft social media content, and many other communications activities. At the end of the term, interns will have developed and diversified their skills to further their careers as communications professionals, reporters, public relations representatives, and Capitol Hill press relations staffers. Applicants must be hard working and eager to learn new skills. Strong writing skills desired. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is a must; experience with website content management systems and HTML are desirable but not required. Internship includes a great speaker series, career support and professional skill-building.
Eligibility
- Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
- Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science. Computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
- Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
- Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Application Materials Required
- Resume/CV
- Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)
- Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
- Unofficial transcript copy
Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.