Policy & Representation Internship - Fall 2026

NPR•Columbia, WA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

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. Interns will have the opportunity to experience & support the work of the team in the following areas... 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 The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

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
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

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

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)
Accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave each pay period with no waiting period (for interns working 30+ hours/week)
Professional development opportunities
Flexible work hours
Telecommuting options