Communications Internship Fall 2026

Institute for the Study of War•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

ISW's External Relations Team offers a unique opportunity to candidates interested in learning more about non-profit communications with an eye towards national security. Interns will hone their skills supporting a variety of communications functions, including media relations and monitoring, writing and copyediting, social media monitoring and management, digital content creation, and media research. Over the course of a quarter, interns will receive guidance from ISW’s professional communications and publishing staff, gradually expanding and honing their ability to develop and execute effective communications strategies. Interns will have the opportunity to create and edit videos, graphics, and written material as well as assist in special projects and company initiatives. Interns will also help develop and execute social media campaigns across platforms like X, Bluesky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. This internship provides a great opportunity to train alongside a small and flexible external relations team in an engaging and fast-paced work environment. This is a full-time (five days per week) in-person, remote, or hybrid internship; but part-time work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

Motivated and organized college students or recent graduates.
Demonstrated proficiency in a related field.
Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
Experience adhering to a codified writing style guide such as the AP Stylebook, the Chicago Manual of Style, or the American Psychological Association Stylebook.
Experience reviewing the written work of others (peer reviews, college writing center, or other copyediting experience).
Self-motivated, creative, and capable of working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Experience with visual content creation and digital communications, including social media platforms.
Authorized to work in the United States.
Physically present in the United States during internship tenure.
If attending a US university on a student visa, must be eligible for and obtain a CPT authorization before beginning at ISW.

Nice To Haves

Graphic design samples.

Responsibilities

Support media relations and monitoring.
Engage in writing and copyediting.
Perform social media monitoring and management.
Contribute to digital content creation.
Conduct media research.
Create and edit videos, graphics, and written material.
Assist in special projects and company initiatives.
Develop and execute social media campaigns across platforms like X, Bluesky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.