Intern - Communications (Winter/Spring 2026-2027)

Center for Strategic and International Studies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) seeks a motivated candidate for a full-time, paid, in-person internship with the Office of External Relations, November 2026–May 2027. You will support outreach and communications, assist with social media content, photos, events, and provide general administrative support to the ER team.

The paid internship offers hands-on experience in public policy communications and requires strong written and verbal communication, attention to

Qualifications

• Completed or ongoing Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with strong customer service.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• General knowledge of international affairs and 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 maintain mailing lists accuracy.
• Support social media content creation from CSIS materials for various channels.
• Assist with metrics and analytics
• Support long-term outreach projects and data gathering for ER team and Chief Communications Officer
• Monitor CSIS social media channels, engagement, and referrals
• Provide general administrative support to the ER team.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Social media analytics

Cameras / photography

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

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 November 2026 to May 2027. 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

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

Prepare media advisories and event announcements:

• Support with 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

• Completed or ongoing Bachelors' 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

Salary Range

$18.40—$20.40 USD

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.