Policy & Representation Internship - Fall 2026

About the role

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. Internship Program Duration: October 5th, 2026 - April 16th, 2027 Application Instructions: Applications close on Sunday, June 14th at 11:59 pm ET. Intro to 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. A strong internship candidate for this role will demonstrate... 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 Working knowledge of design software, WordPress and/or MailChimp a plus A willingness to learn about the public radio system and its value to communities 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 Requirements 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 & Requirements On-site : This is an on-site role based in Washington, D.C. Job Type This is a part-time, non-exempt internship. Schedule 15-20 hours per week; Set schedule to be determined based on intern availability.

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