Policy & Public Affairs Summer Intern

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Position Summary:

Are you a detail-oriented and mission-driven student interested in communications and media? If so, Democracy Forward Foundation (“Democracy Forward”) is looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Intern to join our team.

We are seeking a collaborative and proactive intern to support the Policy and Public Affairs team. This position will be responsible for drafting and editing communications materials, assisting with media monitoring, supporting digital and social media efforts, and helping the team track and communicate developments across Democracy Forward’s litigation and advocacy work.

Democracy Forward’s office is based in Washington, DC. Interns are expected to be in the office an average of 2-3 days per week. The internship program is anticipated to run from May 26, 2026 - July 31, 2026.

The Policy and Public Affairs Intern will report to the Senior Communications Manager and work closely with the communications, press, policy, and digital teams. Applications are due Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Key Responsibilities:

Below are the key areas of responsibility for this role. The specifics of each responsibility may vary based on the needs of the organization and department.

Media Monitoring and Communications Support:

• Assist members of the Policy and Public Affairs team to conduct ongoing media monitoring and track coverage of Democracy Forward’s litigation and policy work.
• Research press mentions of Democracy Forward’s cases and initiatives and assist with compiling twice-daily internal press clips distributed across the organization.
• Assist with the preparation of weekly press coverage graphics and summaries to help internal teams understand how Democracy Forward’s work is being covered in the media.
• Conduct research to support the development and maintenance of press lists, including identifying reporters covering relevant national, state, and trade beats.

Newsletter and Digital Content:

• Support the development of Democracy Forward’s biweekly newsletter.
• Research topics, develop outlines, and draft newsletter content in coordination with the communications team.
• Assist in identifying and curating relevant press coverage, photos, and graphics for newsletter editions.
• Contribute to the production of multiple newsletter editions during the internship period.
• Draft social media content in coordination with the digital team.

Research and Web Content Development:

• Draft and update case pages and web content to help communicate Democracy Forward’s litigation and advocacy work to the public.
• Assist in translating complex legal concepts and case developments into clear, accessible language for non-legal audiences.
• Support team research projects by monitoring congressional hearings, tracking relevant policy developments, and updating internal trackers.

Qualifications:

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If you believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team, we encourage you to apply.

Required:

• Currently enrolled undergraduate student at an accredited college/university majoring in communications, political science, public policy, journalism, or a related field.
• Strong writing, research, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear and accessible language.
• Interest in democracy, law, public policy, and nonprofit advocacy work.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
• Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with Mailchimp, WordPress, and EveryAction.
• Familiarity with media monitoring, policy research, or communications work.
• Interest or coursework related to law, government accountability, or civil rights issues.
• Familiarity working or volunteering in mission-driven, nonprofit, or advocacy environments.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• This role may require occasional travel for team retreats, conferences, or organizational meetings.
• This role may involve sitting for extended periods and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

The salary for this internship is $8,000 for the summer.

Democracy Forward Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly encourage people of color; LGBTQIA+ people; women; people with disabilities; and veterans to apply. Please note that all lawyer positions require a law degree and active membership in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia.

Not sure you meet all of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement.  If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to mission-based legal and policy work, returning to work after a gap in employment, or simply looking to transition or take the next step in your career path, we welcome the opportunity to have you on our radar.  Please include in your cover letter the nature of your interest in legal and policy work promoting democracy and progress and what you hope to bring to our team and the role for which you are applying.

Democracy Forward is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please direct your inquiries to recruiting@democracyforward.org or 833-391-4732.