Internal Communications & Operations Intern (Fall 2026)

Third Way is a national think tank and advocacy organization that champions moderate policy and political ideas. Since our founding in 2005, we have served as a critical bulwark against political extremism by advancing values-driven, reform-oriented solutions on the defining issues of our time. Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, security, and democratic capitalism, and we advocate for the vital center across seven major areas: climate and energy, economy, education, health care, national security, politics, and social policy.

Third Way's Learning and Organizational Development (LOD) team is looking for a highly organized and proactive Internal Communications & Operations Intern. This position is ideal for someone interested in organizational communications, internal strategy, and workplace culture. You will help streamline communications across the Business Operations teams—including HR, IT, Office Operations, and LOD itself—so that staff and leadership stay well-informed and supported.

Learning & Organizational Development's impact includes:

• Third Way University: Our in-house professional development program which meets staff needs at all levels of skills building;

• All-Staff Retreat: A two-day gathering hosted offsite for staff to connect with each other, learn about the programs, and understand Third Way’s goals and mission;

• Third Way Buddy Program: An onboarding process that connects new hires with existing Third Way staff to provide additional support throughout their 90-day introductory period;

• Nancy Hale Fellowship Program & Adam Solomon Internship Program: Two channels through which we bring new staff into our organization to experience our work and build connections with our staff and Third Way’s overall mission;

• Special Projects and Strategy Design: Individualized coaching and facilitation projects with internal (Third Way programs, leadership, etc.) and external (conference programming, meeting design, etc.) customers.

As the Internal Events and Operations Intern, a typical day might include…

• Maintaining the scheduled Business Operations (Learning and Organizational Development, IT, Human Resources, Office Operations, etc.) communications to staff and leadership;

• Developing a communications strategy that meets the needs of the operations team in effectively reporting organizational updates;

• Working closely with the team to highlight areas where you can streamline Business Operations’ communications to staff;

• Editing and uploading email copy to Mailchimp;

• Posting on Microsoft Teams;

• Spending time connecting with staff to understand where LOD can provide individualized or group support in their development.

Internship Daily Operations:

• Weekly check-ins with supervisor.

• Tracking communications and engagement analytics.

• Shadowing various members of the Business Operations team to better understand internal workflows.

• Assisting in the coordination of department-wide or staff-facing communications and initiatives.

Internship/Team meetings & events:

• Attend regular LOD team meetings.

• Join Business Operations all-team meetings.

• Participate in intern cohort programming and events.

• Attend (and support) Third Way all-staff offerings, including Lunch & Learns, Third Way University (TWU) Courses, and All-Staff Meetings.

Internship Short-Term Projects:

• Internal Comms Audit & Assessment

  • Review current LOD and Business Operations communication methods;

  • Collect staff feedback on the clarity and effectiveness of current updates and messages;

  • Identify gaps and propose improvements for more streamlined internal messaging.

• Tools and Platform Research

  • Research modern tools and platforms to enhance email communication and event management, focusing on features like RSVP collection, attendee engagement, and survey distribution.

• Internal Communications Style Guide

  • Draft a style and tone guide for Business Operations communications to ensure consistency across email, Teams posts, and internal docs.

  • Review past internal messages and highlight patterns or inconsistencies in tone, format, and length.

  • Collaborate with team leads to ensure the guide reflects the culture and communication preferences of different audiences across Third Way.

Internship Long-Term Projects:

• LOD/BizOps Communications Protocol Overhaul:

  • Phase 1 – Discovery (complete): Analyze current methods used to communicate with the team. Meet with members of the team to gather current strategies utilized in communication. Ask for considerations from across the team while formulating a new strategy.

  • Phase 2 – Design (complete): Based on the initial assessment, design a new communications protocol that includes updated scheduling practices and RSVP management strategies. This phase involves drafting plans, selecting software tools (considering integration with existing systems), and defining new workflows.

  • Phase 3 – Implementation (Fall 2025 Internship begins here): Test new communications protocol for LOD and bring revitalized strategy to the team. Focus on staff invitations, updates, reminders, and surveys.

  • Phase 4 - Training and Documentation: Develop comprehensive guidelines for staff to adapt to the new protocols. Ensure everyone is comfortable and proficient with the new systems and processes.

  • Phase 5 - Evaluation and Adjustment: Monitor the effectiveness of the new protocols and adjust based on feedback from staff and analysis of engagement metrics. This iterative process ensures that the new system effectively meets the organization's and its staff's needs.

• Give an end-of-term presentation about your work to Third Way staff

  • The topic will be determined by you and your supervisor.

*Applications close on August 10, 2026. Internship offers will be extended between August 17 to August 21, 2026.*

*Please note all duties and events will require in-office participation. This is a part-time, PAID INTERNSHIP. *

This might be a job for you, if you…

• Are a current student with an interest in/knowledge of communication strategies, organizational development, and employee engagement. A Communications, Business, or Human Resources degree is preferred but not required;

• Are curious and eager to learn how teams collaborate behind the scenes in a mission-driven organization.

• Have considerable experience working on a team: The communications aspect of this role will require extensive coordination, buy-in, and direction from all members of the Business Operations program. Other aspects also involve cross-team collaboration, so knowing how to communicate and collaborate with others is vital to success in this position.

• Are interested in internal communications, change management, or workplace strategy.

• Are comfortable working independently and taking initiative.

• Are detail-oriented: Your duties include maintaining internal communications and other recurring tasks that must be consistent;

• Are prepared to talk to people – a lot. Success in our program hinges on understanding how our employees think, learn, and work. Building connections and relationships with staff will be a significant aspect of this role;

• Can prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines;

• Have a strong computer skill, with proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Mailchimp and Monday.com is preferred but not required.

In the Third Way Culture, we are looking for…

• Self-starters: People who see and seize opportunities, take risks, learn from failure, and will bring a sustained passion for our mission.

• Collaborators: People who work in teams—sharing ideas, brainstorming, co-authoring products, and advancing its shared priorities.

• Creators: People who foster divergent thinking; that aren’t afraid to take on the orthodoxies of the left or the right. Team members come up with original insights, find unique ways to look at data, and challenge their preconceptions.

• Results-oriented: People who function with an organizational commitment to clear objectives, ambitious timelines, accountability for results, and a focus on impact.

• Respectful: People who embrace the diverse perspectives of everyone and foster the values of non-discrimination and inclusivity at all times.

The Internship Program runs from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, through Thursday, December 11, 2026. Interns work part-time, in-person, and are paid $19.00/hour.  

Third Way is an equal-opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable laws.