Communications Fall 2026 Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; Part time

Job summary

Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is offering an internship in Washington, DC, focused on communications. Interns will benefit from direct exposure to Washington's media environment, monitor media profiles, develop media contacts, and create social media content.

Strong candidates will have a minimum GPA of 3.2 and relevant coursework in fields such as International Relations or Communications. The internship supports skill-building and includes a speaker series. A commitment of at least 22 hours per week is expected.

Qualifications

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Relevant course of study in International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, or a relevant STEM field.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the organization’s media profile and assist in tracking media metrics.
• Help develop contacts in broadcast and print media.
• Craft social media content and perform other communications activities.

Skills

Media tracking skills

Writing skills

Microsoft Office knowledge

Basic Excel skills

Education

Relevant coursework

Job description

Internship Overview

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 analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options to strengthen U.S. national security and reduce threats posed by adversaries.

Communications Department

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, help develop contacts in broadcast and print media, synthesize research products, craft social media content, and perform other communications activities.

Internship includes a speaker series, career support, and professional skill‑building.

Eligibility

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Relevant course of study with coursework in International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, or a relevant STEM field.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs; basic Excel skills.
• Commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Application Materials

• Resume/CV
• Cover letter (review our website and indicate which FDD projects resonate with you, where you found this internship, and your availability).
• Writing sample (no more than 3 pages)
• Unofficial transcript copy

Applicants should indicate preferred department(s) in the cover letter. Submit a separate application for each position of interest. Incomplete applications will not be considered.