Intern - Communications (Fall 2026)

Center for Strategic and International Studies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,347 - 28,103; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Office of External Relations is offering a full-time, paid, in-person internship in Washington, DC, starting September 14, 2026 and running through December 18, 2026. Interns will support outreach, communication, and social media efforts, and assist with events and general administrative tasks.

Pay is hourly and varies by degree level: $18.40/hour for undergraduates, $19.40/hour with a bachelor’s, and $20.40/hour with a master’s degree.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to provide strong customer service.
• Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail and the ability to prioritize, track, and accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• General knowledge of international affairs and an interest in the news cycle.
• Previous event photography experience and working knowledge of cameras.
• Previous communications experience and familiarity with social media analytics.

Responsibilities

• Prepare media advisories and event announcements.
• Support event preparation, staffing, and photography.
• Draft and format ER mailings, and support accuracy of mailing lists.
• Support social media efforts, including drafting content (including short videos) from CSIS materials (publications, events, etc.) for various social media channels.
• Support with metrics and analytics compilation.
• Support various long‑term projects (outreach research, proposal writing, data gathering) for the ER team and Chief Communications Officer.
• Monitor CSIS social media channels, tracking followers, engagement, and site referrals.
• Provide general administrative support to the full ER team.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Customer service mindset

Social media analytics familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Job description

Overview

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

CSIS's Office of External Relations (ER) seeks highly motivated candidates for a full-time, paid, in-person internship to join our dynamic and fast‑paced team beginning September 14, 2026 and through December 18, 2026. Candidates should be motivated self‑starters who are passionate about communication. Interns support Center-wide outreach efforts and play an active support role in a range of outreach, communication, and social media efforts, working closely with the ER team and other CSIS staff. Additionally, interns support ER‑led events and provide general administrative support.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.40/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.40/hour for hires with a bachelor's degree, and $20.40/hour for hires with a master's degree).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare media advisories and event announcements.
• Support event preparation, staffing, and photography.
• Draft and format ER mailings, and support accuracy of mailing lists.
• Support social media efforts, including drafting content (including short videos) from CSIS materials (publications, events, etc.) for various social media channels.
• Support with metrics and analytics compilation.
• Support various long‑term projects (outreach research, proposal writing, data gathering) for the ER team and Chief Communications Officer.
• Monitor CSIS social media channels, tracking followers, engagement, and site referrals.
• Provide general administrative support to the full ER team.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to provide strong customer service.
• Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail and the ability to prioritize, track, and accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.
• General knowledge of international affairs and an interest in the news cycle.
• Previous event photography experience and working knowledge of cameras.
• Previous communications experience and familiarity with social media analytics.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity Employer.