Internship Opportunities

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a nonpartisan policy institute dedicated exclusively to promoting pluralism, defending democratic values, and fighting the ideologies that threaten democracy. The organization was founded shortly after 9/11 by a group of visionary philanthropists and policymakers to engage in the worldwide war of ideas and to support the defense of democratic societies under assault by terrorism and militant Islamism. FDD combines policy research, investigative journalism, strategic communications, and democracy and counterterrorism education.

About FDD’s Internship Program

Based in downtown Washington, D.C., the Foundation for Defense of Democracies has a number of internship opportunities available. All FDD interns will have the opportunity to participate in a twice-monthly speaker series, which brings high-level DC officials and senior staff members to engage with interns in an intimate setting. FDD interns will be encouraged to build on their academic skills by working closely with senior staff. FDD is also happy to assist students who wish to earn academic credit for this internship. All internships are unpaid.

*During this time, FDD’s internship program will move forward with both hybrid and remote internship.*

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early here: https://www.fdd.org/jobs-and-internships/. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Congressional Relations with FDD Action

FDD Action is seeking full-time and part-time Congressional Relations interns. FDD Action advocates for effective policies to strengthen U.S. national security. Interns will work closely with FDD Action staff to conduct research on a number of our congressional projects. Interns will cover congressional hearings; do background research on issues being considered by Congress, and other legislative research projects pertaining to timely national security issues. In your cover letter, please share a particular national security issue of interest to you and thoughts you have about this issue. FDD Action is looking for interns with broad research experience and an interest in the legislative branch. While internship experience on Capitol Hill is a plus, the skills and network acquired during this internship will help those seeking opportunities on Capitol Hill in the future. Internship includes career guidance throughout the semester.

Eligibility

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics or Political Science.
• Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Application Materials Required

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover letter
3. Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
4. Unofficial transcript copy

Please indicate in your cover letter where you found this internship and your availability for the semester. If you are interested in multiple positions, you may use the same cover letter for each but submit separate applications.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.