Editorial Intern

National Journal; Washington (Washington County); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

National Journal in Washington, DC is seeking an editorial intern to support the editorial team across our flagship newsletters. The intern will report to the managing editor and work 20 hours per week, gaining hands-on experience in reporting, writing, and data projects.

This internship provides exposure to political coverage, policy research, and collaboration with editors and staff reporters. The role requires strong writing and deadlines discipline, with in-office hybrid scheduling in

Qualifications

• A passion for journalism and independent reporting.
• Strong writing ability and ability to file on tight deadlines.
• Interest in political coverage and policy.

Responsibilities

• Searching and curating the morning's political news via Google, Lexis/Nexis, social media, and newspapers.
• Contributing to reporting on policy, politics, and campaigns.
• Writing short pieces of news and analysis.
• Helping to update databases.
• Collaborating with staff correspondents and editors on larger features.
• Assisting on data projects like Poll Tracker and FEC donor reports.

Skills

Journalism

Writing

Attention to detail

Deadline oriented

Multitasking

Tools

Google

Lexis/Nexis

Job description

National Journal is hiring an editorial intern.

National Journal has an immediate opening for an intern on the editorial team, one of its flagship editorial products. For more than 30 years, Hotline Wake-Up Call!, Hotline Latest Edition, and National Journal Daily have been the key political tipsheets for officeholders, campaign professionals, pollsters, political parties, and political scholars. This individual will report to National Journal’s managing editor. Interns will work 20 hours a week.

National Journal is a premier research and insights company committed to helping organizations effectively navigate Washington. Best known as one of Washington’s most trusted media brands for nearly 50 years, our expertise is unmatched with teams of specialists dedicated to government affairs, communications, and political research, in addition to exceptional journalism. Our mission is to equip the thousands of government and business leaders in the nation’s capital with the intelligence, insights, and connections they need to save time, increase efficiency, and deliver success.

What is National Journal’s Editorial?

National Journal’s Hotline and Daily is the premier campaign resource for more than 30 years. Read by the most powerful and informed figures in Washington, our daily newsletters cover the latest news from Capitol Hill and campaigns all along the ballot from across the country.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Searching and curating the morning’s political news via Google, Lexis/Nexis, social media, and dozens of newspapers and other sources
• Contributing to reporting on policy, politics, and campaigns
• Writing short pieces of news and analysis
• Helping to update our databases
• Collaborating with staff correspondents and editors on larger feature stories
• Assisting on larger data projects like our Poll Tracker and quarterly FEC donor reports

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate:

• A passion for journalism and a commitment to independent, nonpartisan reporting and writing
• Working knowledge of American politics and a hunger to learn more
• Thorough attention to detail and ability to file on tight deadlines
• The ability to multitask with little to no supervision
• A strong work ethic and motivation to succeed
• Quick and accurate writing skills
• Creative thinking and resourcefulness in problem-solving
• Prodigious work ethic and spirit of generosity

$20 - $20 an hour

Application Deadline

August 24, 2026

Required Application Materials

Cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Employment Type

Internship (Full time)

Term

September-December 2026

Compensation

The intern will be paid $20/hour

Location

This job is based in Washington, DC. National Journal operates on a hybrid schedule, with employees required to be in the office every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

A bout Us

Across National Journal Group, generally, the firm looks for two “pillar gifts” in you, and everyone else. In all of us, these are more aspirational than actual, but they are central in our intentions –

Force of Ideas

At the center of National Journal Group work are the ideas within our writing. We believe that ideas – to the good and not – have consequences. Our highest work is bringing rigor, insight, intellectual honesty, to that ultimate purpose of separating the bad from the good, and giving voice to the latter.

Spirit of Generosity

National Journal Group seeks in its ranks a spirit of generosity – a natural disposition in each colleague toward service and selfless conduct. National Journal Group writing should be cut from the same cloth –critical on the merits but informed by charity and forbearance in measuring motive and personal character.

National Journal is anEqual Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.