Intern - Communications (Winter/Spring 2026-2027)

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. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.
CSIS’s Office of External Relations (ER) seeks highly motivated candidates for a full-time, paid, in-person, internship to join our dynamic and fast-paced team beginning November 2026 and through April 2027. Candidates should be motivated self-starters who are passionate about communication. Interns support Center-wide outreach efforts and play an active support role in a range of outreach, communication, and social media efforts, working closely with the ER team and other CSIS staff. Additionally, interns support ER-led events and provide general administrative support.
The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($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).
Essential duties and responsibilities
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:
Prepare media advisories and event announcements:
Support with event preparation, staffing, and photography
Draft and format ER mailings, and support accuracy of mailing lists
Support social media efforts, including drafting content (including short videos) from CSIS materials (publications, events, etc.) for various social media channels;
Support with metrics and analytics compilation
Support various long-term projects (outreach research, proposal writing, data gathering) for the ER team and Chief Communications Officer
Monitor CSIS social media channels, tracking followers, engagement, and site referrals
Provide general administrative support to the full ER team
Knowledge, education, and experience
Bachelors’ degree in a relevant field
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to provide strong customer service
Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail and the ability to prioritize, track, and accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
General knowledge of international affairs and an interest in the news cycle
Previous event photography experience and working knowledge of cameras
Previous communications experience and familiarity with social media analytics
How to apply
Applicants must submit both a cover letter and resumé to the CSIS website at https://careers.csis.org/internships. Finalists will be asked for writing samples and references. Interested applicants should apply as soon as possible and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Salary Range
$18.40—$20.40 USD
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.