Intern - Renewing American Innovation (Fall 2026)

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 24,796 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC, invites applications for an Intern - Renewing American Innovation (Fall 2026). The position supports the RAI project with research, writing, and editorial duties, joining a fast-paced policy team.

Expected schedule is September 2026, full-time 35 hours/week, primarily in‑person with some remote flexibility. Hourly pay scales with educational level ($18.40–$20.40). Applications are due by Wednesday, August 19 at 11:59pm.

Qualifications

• Must be in final year of an undergraduate degree, a recent graduate, or a current graduate student.
• GPA at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) from a U.S. accredited institution or equivalent.
• Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy and national security establishment.
• Demonstrated interest in science and technology policy preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide research and administrative support for project staff and the program’s network of senior advisers.
• Copyedit long and short‑form publications and other research products.
• Write on innovation and technology policy for the Perspectives on Innovation blog and Innovation Lightbulb newsletter.
• Assist in public and private event planning and execution.
• Manage and maintain RAI’s social media pages.
• Draft RAI’s biweekly newsletter, The Innovation Hub.
• Take and distribute memos from internal and external meetings to RAI staff.
• Assist on ad hoc projects or requests as needed.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Social media familiarity

Education

BA or MA in International Affairs/Political Science/Public Policy/STEM

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Intern - Renewing American Innovation (Fall 2026)

Washington, D.C.

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. With a staff of about 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts, it addresses the changing dynamics of international security worldwide.

CSIS seeks an intern to support the Renewing American Innovation (RAI) project, which explores issues at the cutting edge of science, innovation, and technology policy in the United States. The intern will collaborate with a fast‑paced team producing concrete analysis on methods for renewing the U.S. innovation ecosystem, a critical national security asset.

Position starts September 2026, requiring five days a week (Monday‑Friday) for 35 hours per week. The role is predominantly in‑person with some flexibility for remote work and is paid hourly: $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. Applications must be submitted no later than Wednesday, August 19 at 11:59pm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide research and administrative support for project staff and the program’s network of senior advisers.
• Copyedit long and short‑form publications and other research products.
• Write on innovation and technology policy or other related topics for the Perspectives on Innovation blog and Innovation Lightbulb newsletter.
• Assist in public and private event planning and execution.
• Manage and maintain RAI’s social media pages.
• Draft RAI’s biweekly newsletter, The Innovation Hub.
• Take and distribute memos from internal and external meetings to RAI staff.
• Assist on ad hoc projects or requests as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• Must be in the final year of an undergraduate degree program, a recent graduate (within the past year), or a current graduate student.
• Must have earned or be pursuing a BA or MA in International Affairs, Political Science, Public Policy, or a STEM field.
• Must have at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent from a non‑U.S. institution.
• Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy and national security establishment.
• Demonstrated interest in science and technology policy preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and concisely.
• Familiarity with social media platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should submit a résumé, a writing sample on a relevant topic (no more than 5 pages), and a cover letter by clicking the “Apply” button below. Applications should be submitted no later than Wednesday, August 19 at 11:59pm.

Salary Range

$18.40 – $20.40 USD per hour

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.