External Relations Internship, IISS-Americas

International Institute for Strategic Studies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 24,796; Part time

Job summary

A leading global defense think tank in Washington, DC is seeking two student interns for a paid internship opportunity. Interns will gain valuable experience in international relations through various responsibilities, including administrative tasks, database management, and event support. The position requires applicants to be at least a rising junior in relevant fields like Security Studies or International Relations and offers $18 per hour for up to 20 hours a week. Applications are due by November 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST.

Qualifications

• At least a rising junior in good standing or recent college graduate.
• Able to work independently in a small team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily administrative and operational tasks.
• Update constituent databases to strengthen external engagement.
• Support IISS-Americas events, assisting with logistics.
• Assist with outreach regarding IISS membership and government relations.
• Conduct ad-hoc research and data collection.

Skills

Proactive and self-starter

Teamwork

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Studying Security Studies, International Relations, or a related field

Job description

External Relations Internship, IISS-Americas

Contract: Fixed-term

Hours: Up to 20 hours per week

Location: Washington, DC

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo-economics in a global context. Its international researchers provide best-in-class independent and impartial analysis and provide insights on strategic challenges and priorities to governments and the private sector. It is an expert at bringing together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security; promoting dialogue; and facilitating effective and influential bilateral and multilateral consultations.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies – Americas is seeking two student interns to work up to 20 hours per week to support the activities of its Washington office for Spring 2026. The exact start and end dates are flexible with a preference for those available from mid-January through mid-May.

Responsibilities:

Successful applicants can expect to gain direct exposure to the work and management of a leading international think tank. We are looking for interns with an interest in international relations, national security studies, non-profit management, external relations, and business development.

Duties will include:

• Performing daily administrative and operational tasks.
• Regularly updating constituent databases to establish and strengthen external engagement.
• Supporting IISS-Americas events, including pre and post event logistics and on-the-floor assistance.
• Assisting with outreach and external relations, specifically regarding IISS membership, Congressional and federal government relations and development materials.
• Carrying out ad-hoc research and data collection.

Requirements:

• Be at least a rising junior in good standing studying Security Studies, International Relations, or a related field. Recent college graduates will be considered.
• Be proactive and a self-starter able to work in a small team environment.
• Be able to work independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Eligibility and Compensation:

This is a paid internship at $18/hr for up to 20 hours per week. Applicants must reside in the DC metro area at the time of the internship.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. IISS-Americas regrets that it cannot assist with procuring visas or entry permits. Please include your work eligibility in your application.

Application:

Candidates should press the blue ‘apply now’ button on the left hand-side of the screen and follow the instructions to submit two documents:

• A cover letter, stating their suitability for the post.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 5 November 2025 at 7:00PM EST.

Due to the volume of expected applications, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

The IISS is an equal-opportunities employer.