Internships

The Center For A New American Security (Cnas); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 21,204; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$75 transportation stipend

$1,900 monthly stipend for expenses

Potential for academic credit

Job summary

A prominent national security research organization in Washington, D.C. is seeking interns for its Joseph S. Nye, Jr. Internship program. The internships offer hands-on experience in research, communications, and development, requiring strong organizational and collaboration skills. Interns receive a transportation stipend and additional monthly support for living expenses. Applicants must be enrolled in an academic program and available to work in the D.C. area. CNAS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a relevant academic program required.
• Strong research, communication, and organization skills preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively in teams.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to CNAS research, publications, and event planning.
• Assist the Communications team with media relations and content creation.
• Support the Development team with fundraising-related tasks.

Skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Education

Current enrollment in an academic program

Job description

CNAS Is Accepting 2026 Internship Applications

Internship

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is accepting applications for its Joseph S. Nye, Jr. Internship program. Candidates may apply for research, communications, or development internships. Each internship is for six months.

We are currently accepting rolling applications for our 2026 intern class. Please see below for details about the internship program and how to apply.

About the Program

CNAS established its internship and mentoring program in honor of Dr. Joseph S. Nye, Jr., who has devoted his career to the preparation and mentoring of generations of Americans and global strategists. The CNAS Joseph S. Nye, Jr. National Security Internship aims to follow Dr. Nye’s leadership in this area by selecting (seven to ten) aspiring practitioners and policy makers in the national security field. Selected interns will actively contribute to the Center’s research, publications, and events and will be deeply engaged in critical national security policy formation and debates.

CNAS offers full-time (40 hrs/week) internships. As of September 2021, CNAS personnel have resumed working in our Washington, D.C., office full time. Therefore, we are now only accepting applicants who can relocate or are already located in the Washington, D.C., area. Interns will work closely with CNAS staff and have considerable professional responsibilities. Participants are chosen based on merit in an open, competitive process.

Stipend

Interns are given a $75 per month transportation stipend and an additional stipend of $1,900 per month intended to help cover daily expenses incurred during the internship.

Academic Credit

Interns may earn academic credit and are responsible for working out this arrangement with their academic institution and the Center’s internship coordinator.

Questions

Please email [e-mail] with any questions related to your application or the Joesph S. Nye, Jr. Internship program more broadly.

To Apply

Research Intern

Joseph S. Nye, Jr. Research Interns work directly with specific programs including our three regionally-focused programs (Indo-Pacific Security, Middle East Security, and Transatlantic Security) and four functionally-focused programs (Defense; Energy, Economics, & Security; National Security Human Capital; and Technology & National Security). Please review the projects on our website and let us know which program interests you the most (and why) in your cover letter. We will do our best to pair selected interns with projects of their interest.

Joseph S. Nye, Jr. Communications Interns work directly with the Communications team, gaining experience in a range of activities including media relations and monitoring, multimedia support, event planning and execution, social media content creation, website administration, database management, writing marketing materials and press releases, copyediting, and external relations writ large.

Joseph S. Nye, Jr. Development Interns work directly with members of the Development team and possess an appreciation and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment, conduct development and fundraising-related research, support project and events execution, and implement data management best practices.

The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent and bipartisan research institution, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.

CNAS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

CNAS abides by all Federal and District of Columbia employment laws.