Research & Communications Intern

About the role

The role offers the opportunity to engage deeply with contemporary foreign affairs while helping translate complex ideas into accessible, compelling public-facing content across a range of formats — including social media, video, podcasts, newsletters, op-apers, explainers, briefs, and white papers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct data analysis and contribute to the outlining, drafting, and editing of IGA's annual public opinion reports.
• Undertake primary and secondary source research for white papers, policy briefs, and editorials on topics related to US foreign policy.
• Monitor global trends and major news developments to inform research and content strategy.
• Support and execute IGA's social media strategy, including drafting platform-specific content, producing short-form video, designing infographics and digital collateral, and tracking cross-platform engagement.
• Manage the editorial calendar for IGA's None Of The Above podcast, ensuring alignment with the news cycle and key policy developments.
• Support podcast and film production through scripting assistance, note-taking, and archival research.
• Contribute to the drafting and publication of newsletters and other strategic communications materials.

Qualifications

• Current or recent undergraduate or graduate student.
• Demonstrated interest in international relations, digital media production, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of key issues in contemporary US foreign policy, with openness to diverse viewpoints and research approaches.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and an eye for visual storytelling.
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.
• Familiarity with major social media platforms and audience engagement strategies.
• Working knowledge of graphic design, video, or audio production software.

Compensation

Interns receive $17 per hour. We are also happy to coordinate with an academic institution to facilitate course credit, where applicable.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application and submit a cover letter, resume, a writing sample (maximum five pages), and contact information for two to three references. Applicants with published op-apers, blog posts, explainers, or similar written works are encouraged to submit those. Your cover letter should describe your interest in the mission of the Institute for Global Affairs and the Independent America program.

Apply online at forms.instituteforglobalaffairs.org/internships2026-apply. Please direct any questions to Lucas Robinson, Program Coordinator, at robinson@instituteforglobalaffairs.org.