FDD Action Policy Fall 2026 Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies • Washington, DC

9d • $1,000 - $2,000

About The Position

FDD Action is seeking full-time and part-time advocacy interns to work at the intersection of research, strategy, and legislative action. Interns will be embedded in real congressional projects, analyzing pressing national security challenges and tracking live policy debates as they unfold on Capitol Hill. Issue areas include Iran and Israel, Russia and Ukraine, China, sanctions and export controls, defense policy, and countering foreign malign influence and activities. Through this internship, interns will contribute to FDD Action's efforts to shape policies being developed in Congress. As an advocacy intern, you will develop practical communications and messaging skills essential for any national security, advocacy, or policy career. Expect to sharpen your writing, editing, and strategic communication abilities while building a professional network that extends well beyond your time here. You'll gain valuable insights into how to communicate complex policy objectives effectively to key policymakers and stakeholders. FDD Action provides interns with dedicated mentorship and career guidance through educational sessions with issue-area experts and FDD Action staff.

Requirements

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science. Computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
• Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Resume/CV
• Cover letter
• Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
• Unofficial transcript copy

Nice To Haves

• Prior Hill experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to FDD Action's NatSec Roundup, our flagship weekly publication for congressional staffers.
• Support FDD Action's advocacy team as it works to produce Action Alerts and Policy Alerts in support of endorsed legislation, letters, and policies.
• Help craft social media content that advances FDD Action's policy priorities.
• Monitor and track important national security developments and breaking events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed