NEA Human Resources Intern, Benefits (Fall 2026))

National Education Association; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

National Education Association invites applications for the Fall 2026 Human Resources Intern (Benefits) role in the Center for Human Resources. This fixed-term internship begins September 14, 2026, and ends by December 14, 2026, with a stipend of $20 per hour and up to 20 hours per week, based at NEA Headquarters in Washington, DC.

You will assist with organizing policies, benefits administration, maintaining employee records, HR research, and support for day-to-day operations.

Qualifications

• Motivated and detail-oriented with strong research and communication skills.
• Interest in how large organizations document processes and support HR operations.
• Pursuing a degree in Education, Labor Relations, or HR-related fields.

Responsibilities

• Organize policies and develop operational guides.
• Benefits administration support.
• Maintain employee records in databases.
• Provide administrative support to the HR department.
• Conduct HR research and identify best practices.
• Support special projects and summarize information.
• Handle confidential employee information with integrity.

Skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Detail oriented

Data analysis

Education

Pursuing degree in Education

Pursuing degree in HR

Tools

Databases

Job description

If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today.

Posting Period

August 13, 2026 - Until Filled

Employee Type

OO109 Office of Operations & Risk Management (ORM), SHORTTERM Short-term Temps

Position Type

Intern (Fixed Term)

Position Details

NEA is accepting applications from individuals interested in participating in the NEA Internship Program as a Human Resources Intern (Benefits) in the Center for Human Resources for the Fall 2026 session, which will begin on or after September 14, 2026, and end on or before December 14, 2026. The internships may range from six weeks to a full semester. Interns will receive a stipend of twenty dollars ($20) per hour and may intern up to a maximum of twenty (20) hours a week. This internship is based at NEA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The NEA Internship Program provides interns with training, learning opportunities, educational activities, and exposure to a range of substantive programmatic experiences that support quality public education. As part of the Center for Human Resources, the internship will allow for opportunities to support NEA’s many roles as the nation’s largest labor union. These experiences may include conducting research, performing data analysis, validating invoices, and gaining hands‑on experience in employee benefits administration and open enrollment, while supporting day‑to‑day HR operations. The NEA partners with institutions of higher education, intern programs, and other organizations to identify interns - generally juniors, seniors, recent college graduates (up to 18 months), or graduate students - who are interested in public education policy and education issues. Students pursuing degrees in Education, Labor Relations, Human Resources, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Business, Finance, Economics, Management, and other disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Position Summary/Details

This role is ideal for someone who is motivated, detail-oriented, has strong research and communication skills, and is interested in how large, mission‑driven organizations document processes, research industry best practices, and support Human Resources functions. The intern will contribute to building and maintaining internal resources that support consistency, efficiency, and institutional knowledge across NEA and its state affiliates.

Intern Assignments Include

• Assisting with organizing policies and the development of operational guides
• Benefits administration support
• Maintain, update, and organize employee records in databases, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.
• Provide administrative support to the HR department.
• Conduct HR‑related research and help identify solutions or best practices when questions arise.
• Support for special projects and assignments: research, analysis, and summarizing information
• Handle confidential employee information with a high level of integrity and accuracy

Additional Proposed Intern Activities

NEA interns will have the opportunity to collaborate with NEA staff and participate in a variety of meaningful learning experiences and projects during the internship. In addition to participating in assigned Center/department activities, based on their skills and interests, interns may also have opportunities to participate in relevant NEA-sponsored and/or approved group activities that may occur at NEA or in the Washington Metropolitan area.

Through this educational experience, interns will have opportunities to develop skills in

• Technical and professional writing
• SOP development and documentation standards
• Knowledge management and document systems
• Understanding how to work in a union environment
• Professional communications
• Online research

Additionally, NEA Interns will learn about the NEA, its role in public education, issues affecting NEA members at the national, state, and local levels, and advocacy strategies to support members and the students they serve. In addition to gaining experience in their area of interest, interns may develop skills in collaboration, communication, writing, research, analysis, report preparation, interviewing, and the use of organizational tools and strategies.

TO APPLY

Please upload and submit the following documents with your application in Workday:

• Resume
• Cover letter – indicating preferred department or area(s) of interest
• Letter of recommendation
• Writing sample

Individuals selected for an interview will be contacted by the Center or department and additional samples may be required at the time of the interview.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided: The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO APPLY.

NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here E-Verify Participation & Right to Work.

NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.