Fall / Winter Intern - Policy & Representation -

Job Description

OVERVIEW

Program Duration: October 6th, 2025 - April 17th, 2026
INTERN WILL LEARN AND BE EXPOSED TO:
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...
• Legislative research and research projects to support lawmaker education or engagement
• Drafting of collateral about public radio and organization of information to promote awareness of public radio
• Support in preparing presentation materials and talking points
• Communications support for grassroots activities that develop public support for public radio
• Preparing for in-person and virtual events for public radio awareness
• All work of the intern is to be performed under the close supervision of the host team
A strong internship candidate for this role might have…
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Basic knowledge of the legislative process and familiarity with Congress or state legislatures
• Proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google suite products, design software, WordPress and MailChimp
• Conversant on a range of social media platforms
• Collaborative working style, experience working in small teams, and the ability to complete high-quality independent work
• Strong organizational and time management skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
Please note: Under NPR's Employee Code of Conduct, Employee will be considered an ''Outward Facing Employee'', and as such should (i) avoid public participation in political and partisan activities in order to protect NPR's reputation and its ability to pursue its mission; and (ii) refrain from public statements or actions that might call into question NPR's commitment to accuracy and fairness.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample (optional)
EDUCATION
• 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.
WORK LOCATION
• Hybrid Permitted: This is a hybrid permitted role. Some aspects of this role include duties that are better performed at an NPR facility. The employee will be required to be onsite at the Washington, DC office at least 10 days a year. The employee must also reside in an NPR supported location based on the number of onsite days they choose.
JOB TYPE
• This is a temporary (28-week) part time internship.
COMPENSATION
Hourly Rate: The US based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $20.00 per hour. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for internships across all US locations.
Benefits: NPR provides interns with multiple benefits and amenities. Interns receive immediate eligibility to contribute electively to a Principal 403(b) retirement plan and access to the Transit Flexible Spending Account for commuter benefits. Interns working out of DC HQ enjoy free access to on-site Cigna medical providers, no cost fitness center access, as well as bike facilities and garage parking available onsite. Interns can access the Employee Assistance Program which provides confidential counseling services as well as Business Travel Accident coverage and Global Guardian membership and they also qualify for Signal Financial Federal Credit Union membership. NPR interns who work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for holiday pay. This includes pay for the company's 10 observed holidays plus one floating holiday per year. Interns automatically earn 3.08 hours of sick leave each pay period without any waiting time restrictions and can utilize paid administrative leave as necessary. Interns have access to professional development opportunities and can benefit from flexible work hours and telecommuting options.
SCHEDULE
15-20 hours per week; Set schedule to be determined based on intern availability.
Applications close on Monday, June 30th at 11:59 pm ET.
Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.
The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.
NPR Pay Range
$20 - $20 USD

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please reach out to employeerelations@npr.org.

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Jobcode: Reference SBJ-233nk2-216-73-216-12-42 in your application.