Policy & Representation Internship - Fall 2026

RadioJobs; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust benefits package

Access to on-site Wellness Center

Flexible work hours

Telecommuting options

Job summary

RadioJobs is seeking a part-time intern for its Policy & Representation team in Washington, D.C. This role will involve supporting policy initiatives for NPR and advocating for public radio's value with lawmakers and communities. Candidates must be current students or recent graduates in relevant fields with strong communication skills and an interest in legislative processes.

Interns will collaborate with dedicated team members to develop campaign materials, conduct research, and participate in advocacy efforts, contributing to the overall mission of enhancing public radio.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability in written and verbal communication.
• Experience or internships related to public policy or advocacy.
• Ability to work collaboratively in small teams.

Responsibilities

• Support policy and communications activities.
• Draft campaign materials to support public radio initiatives.
• Conduct legislative research as needed.
• Assist with grassroots campaign activities.
• Provide administrative support for events.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Basic knowledge of legislative processes

Nonpartisan advocacy experience

Strong project management skills

Working knowledge of design software, WordPress and MailChimp

High levels of creativity

Education

Current student or recent graduate in public policy, political science, or communications

Job description

OVERVIEW

A thriving, mission‑driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award‑winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide.

Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

Internship Program Duration: October 5th, 2026 – April 16th, 2027

Application Instructions: Applications close on Sunday, June 14th at 11:59 pm ET.

Intro to Position

Policy & Representation is responsible for supporting a healthy policy environment for NPR and Member stations, including advocating for legislation to support the public radio system. Our office manages several advocacy initiatives to enhance and improve public radio’s service to the American public, and develops strategies and efforts to organize and mobilize lawmaker and public support for public radio.

As a member of the team, the intern will support policy and communications activities, with the opportunity to gain knowledge of the legislative process, advocacy strategy, and effective communication. We are a small, dedicated team, and the intern will have an opportunity to play an integral role in our work to advocate for the public radio system, educate lawmakers about public radio, and develop public support for this service.

Interns will have the opportunity to experience & support the work of the team in the following areas:

• Drafting campaign collateral for primarily state‑level efforts to defend and deepen support for public radio
• Draft backgrounders, templates and other resources for Member organizations to use in educating lawmakers, stakeholders and other related constituencies about the value of public radio in their communities
• Support campaign management and perform basic stakeholder and/or legislative research tasks as needed
• Work with Senior Manager of Network Communications on grassroots campaign activities
• Participate in execution of the team’s two primary advocacy activations: Public Radio Music Day and Rural Voices Day
• Provide administrative support for in‑person and virtual campaign and/or educational events
• All work of the intern will be closely supported by supervisor and/or team members

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

A strong internship candidate for this role will demonstrate:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Basic knowledge of the legislative processes both in state legislatures and Congress
• Nonpartisan advocacy experience either in state legislatures or Congress
• A commitment to bipartisanship
• Strong project management skills
• High levels of creativity, a collaborative working style and experience working in small teams
• Working knowledge of design software, WordPress and/or MailChimp a plus
• A willingness to learn about the public radio system and its value to communities

Please note: Under NPR’s Employee Code of Conduct, Employee will be considered an “Outward Facing Employee”, and as such should (i) avoid public participation in political and partisan activities in order to protect NPR’s reputation and its ability to pursue its mission; and (ii) refrain from public statements or actions that might call into question NPR’s commitment to accuracy and fairness.

Application Requirements

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample (optional)

Education Requirements

• Must be a current student in an accredited degree program or a recent graduate of no more than 12 months from the month of the start of the internship, with a focus on public policy, political science, or communications.

Work Location & Requirements

• On‑site: This is an on‑site role based in Washington, D.C.

Job Type

• This is a part‑time, non‑exempt internship.

Schedule

• 15‑20 hours per week; Set schedule to be determined based on intern availability.

Compensation

Hourly Rate: The U.S.-based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $20.00 per hour. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all U.S. locations.

NPR Benefits: NPR offers interns a robust package of benefits and resources designed to foster their professional development and support their overall well‑being. Interns are eligible to make elective contributions to the NPR 403(b) retirement plan. As an intern, you have access to Transit Commuter benefits through HealthEquity, which allow you to set aside pre‑tax funds for eligible commuting expenses. You are also eligible for membership with the Signal Financial Federal Credit Union, giving you access to a range of financial services and resources. At our DC Headquarters, interns enjoy free access to on‑site Wellness Center, free fitness center membership, secure bike facilities, garage parking, and onsite cafeteria. Other benefits include the Employee Assistance Program with up to six face‑to‑face counseling sessions per issue, Global Guardian worldwide assistance, and Business Travel Accident coverage. Additionally, interns working 30 or more hours per week receive holiday pay for 10 observed holidays plus one floating holiday per year and accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave each pay period with no waiting period. NPR also supports career growth and work‑life balance through professional development opportunities, flexible work hours, and telecommuting options.

Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.

NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives, all working toward the same goal – to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, religious belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, gender non‑conforming status, intersex status, sexual stereotypes, nationality, citizenship status, personal appearance, marital status, family status, family responsibilities, military status, veteran status, mental and physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, genetic characteristics of yourself or a family member, political views and affiliation, unemployment status, protective order status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please reach out to [e-mail].

You may read NPR’s privacy policy to learn about how NPR may handle information you submit with any application.

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