Free Expression & Civic Engagement Research Intern

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Job summary

A philanthropic organization is seeking a Free Expression & Civic Engagement Research Intern for Summer 2026 in Miami, Florida. This internship involves supporting research on free expression among students and young adults. Candidates should be undergraduate students with strong writing, analytical, and organizational skills. Interns will gain experience in research development, project management, and communications strategies.

Qualifications

• Coursework or interest in education, social sciences, journalism or communications.
• Experience producing research, journalism or communications content.
• Interest in both quantitative and qualitative research.

Responsibilities

• Support research focused on free expression among students and non-voters.
• Assist with data analysis and editorial workflows for research reports.
• Contribute to communications strategies for research dissemination.

Skills

Excellent writing skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Project management skills

Education

Undergraduate student

Job description

Knight Foundation is seeking a Free Expression & Civic Engagement Research Intern to join the foundation for Summer 2026. This is an opportunity to support research and communications efforts related to upcoming foundation research on free expression and civic engagement in the United States.

This role is well suited for a student interested in research, public discourse and the intersection of data, storytelling and civic life.

About Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation supports a more effective democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers. Our approach is inclusive and nonpartisan. We value freedom of speech and the press, and we often embrace new and innovative technology to achieve our goals. Our drive to create positive change is amplified by our ability to collaborate internally and with our partners. We look for authenticity, agility, and accountability, knowing we are at our best when we leverage our collective strengths and experiences. We proactively approach our work with a sense of pride and responsibility–adapting, as needed, to the changing realities in our communities.

About the Internship Program

Knight Foundation internships are for 10 weeks, running from early June through mid-August.

• Pay: $20.00 per hour
• Eligibility: Open to local and non-local students with the legal right to work in the United States.
• Relocation: Interns are responsible for their own travel and housing costs.

Designed as a reciprocal learning experience, Knight Foundation internships provide students with real responsibility, professional development and exposure to the field of philanthropy, while enabling teams to move important projects forward. Interns gain practical skills, confidence and professional networks through project work and organization-wide programming.

What You’ll Do

The intern will support both the research and communications components of the project, working closely with Knight Foundation staff and external partners. Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the research process for studies focused on free expression among high school students, young adults and non-voters in the United States
• Assisting with vendor engagement, data analysis and editorial workflows for multiple research reports
• Reviewing and updating communications plans used for prior research releases
• Expanding communications strategies to support new dissemination and externalization efforts
• Contributing to planning efforts for convenings connected to research releases
• Participating in internal and external meetings related to research development and dissemination

What You’ll Produce

During the internship, the intern will contribute to:

• Research and editorial support for three research reports scheduled for publication after the internship
• Draft communications plans and related materials to support future report releases and outreach efforts

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the summer, the intern will gain experience in:

• How research is developed, managed and positioned to advance social impact
• The free expression and civic engagement landscape in the United States
• Collaborating across teams and with external research and communications partners
• Managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines
• Translating research into accessible, audience-focused communications

Who Should Apply

We welcome applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds who are interested in research, communications and civic life.

Preferred qualifications include

• Undergraduate student
• Coursework or interest in education, social sciences, journalism, communications or related fields
• Excellent writing skills and experience producing research, journalism or communications content
• Interest in both quantitative and qualitative research
• Strong analytical, organizational and project management skills
• Ability to take initiative and manage tasks independently in a dynamic environment

This is an in-office position located in Miami, Florida.

For more on Knight Foundation, visitkf.org

Knight Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.