Communications Internship Spring 2026

Internship Opportunities

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a nonpartisan policy institute dedicated exclusively to promoting pluralism, defending democratic values, and fighting the ideologies that threaten democracy. The organization was founded shortly after 9 / 11 by a group of visionary philanthropists and policymakers to engage in the worldwide war of ideas and to support the defense of democratic societies under assault by terrorism and militant Islamism. FDD combines policy research, investigative journalism, strategic communications, and democracy and counterterrorism education.

About FDD's Internship Program

Based in downtown Washington, D.C., the Foundation for Defense of Democracies has a number of internship opportunities available. All FDD interns will have the opportunity to participate in a twice-monthly speaker series, which brings high-level DC officials and senior staff members to engage with interns in an intimate setting. FDD interns will be encouraged to build on their academic skills by working closely with senior staff. FDD is also happy to assist students who wish to earn academic credit for this internship. All internships are unpaid.

• FDD will move forward with both hybrid and remote internship options for the Spring 2026 semester.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Communications Department

The Communications Department is seeking full-time and part-time interns with an interest in foreign policy, journalism, communications and public relations, social and digital media, web design, and marketing. Interns will experience Washington's fast-paced media environment and see first-hand how policy and media intersect. Interns will monitor the organization's media profile, assist in tracking media metrics, assist in developing contacts in broadcast / print media, utilize writing skills to synthesize research products, help craft social media content, and many other communications activities. At the end of the term, interns will have developed and diversified their skills to further their careers as communications professionals, reporters, public relations representatives, and Capitol Hill press relations staffers. Applicants must be hard working and eager to learn new skills. Strong writing skills desired. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is a must; experience with website content management systems and HTML are desirable but not required. Internship includes a great speaker series, career support and professional skill-building.

Eligibility

Application Materials Required

Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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