Policy & Representation Internship - Fall 2026

NPR•Washington, DC

10h•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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
A willingness to learn about the public radio system and its value to communities
Resume
Cover Letter
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.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of design software, WordPress and/or MailChimp a plus
Writing Sample (optional)

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

Interns are eligible to make elective contributions to the NPR 403(b) retirement plan.
Transit Commuter benefits through HealthEquity
Membership with the Signal Financial Federal Credit Union
Free access to on-site Wellness Center (at DC Headquarters)
Free fitness center membership (at DC Headquarters)
Secure bike facilities (at DC Headquarters)
Garage parking (at DC Headquarters)
Onsite cafeteria (at DC Headquarters)
Employee Assistance Program with up to six face-to-face counseling sessions per issue
Global Guardian worldwide assistance
Business Travel Accident coverage
Holiday pay for 10 observed holidays plus one floating holiday per year (for interns working 30+ hours/week)
Sick leave accrual (for interns working 30+ hours/week)
Professional development opportunities
Flexible work hours
Telecommuting options