Intern

Position Title: Intern 
Grade Level: Non-Exempt | Grade Level 1 
Reports to: Director, International Forum for Democratic Studies

About NED

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) supports freedom around the world.

At NED, we deliver on the belief that freedom is a universal aspiration. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NED is a private, nonprofit foundation, mandated by Congress, dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide. 

NED reflects an enduring American commitment to stand with those striving for dignity, justice, and opportunity. In 2025, NED made 1,552 grants totaling $271 million to support the work of nongovernmental organizations advancing democratic goals in more than 90 countries, including some of the world’s most challenging and repressive environments. 

We seek talented, entrepreneurial professionals motivated by purpose and committed to excellence. At NED, you will join a dynamic team of experts who bring their skills, curiosity, and judgment to a consequential mission at a critical moment for democracy around the world. Our work is guided by our shared values: excellence, respect, empathy, accountability, and adaptability.

The International Forum for Democratic Studies (the Forum) is a research and ideas hub of NED. Bridging the gap between academic research and the practice of democracy, Forum initiatives include publishing reports and commentary, housing fellowship programs for democracy activists and researchers, and organizing events.

Position Summary

NED is creating student and employee partnerships that facilitate growth and further our mission. We are thus seeking an intern who will support the work of NED’s Forum. 

This position will start in early January 2027 and will last for no more than sixteen (16) weeks and may not be extended. This is a paid position at $17.95 per hour. Intern working hours will be a minimum of 20 hours per week and could total up to 32 hours per week. 

This internship is primarily in person, with some flexibility for remote work. Interns must be based in the Washington, DC area for the duration of the internship.

Primary Responsibilities

Event Support

• Administrative support for public and private events organized by the Forum, and by others at NED, if needed.

Digital Media and Social Media Production

• Development of digital graphics and other content for social media use.
• Editing event footage and other videos for the Forum’s social media, web, and Substack.
• As needed, copy-editing and drafting of text for social media and Substack posts.

Research Assistance

• Occasional research support for Forum workstreams and for Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows.
• Assistance with the development of fellows’ products and presentation materials.
• Additional duties, as required.

Qualifications

• Current student in or recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate program in a relevant field of study (e.g., international affairs, political science, history).
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products.
• Strong knowledge of audiovisual creation platforms like Canva, Adobe Premiere or other video editing software. Familiarity with commercial AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, editorial eye, and design sensibility for digital media and communications.
• Ability to manage time effectively, complete tasks with minimal oversight, and communicate clearly and consistently in a professional work environment.
• Interest in democracy support work and democracy studies.

Talent in Action

Consistent with NED’s talent statement, and grounded in our values, the successful individual in this role will demonstrate the following competencies in the delivery of their work while supporting NED’s efforts to advance democratic change:

• Purpose-Driven
• Reliable
• Expertise
• Respectful Collaboration
• Curiosity
• Results-Oriented
• An Optimistic Mindset

NED Total Compensation

The compensation for this internship is $17.95 per hour.