National Security Network

Winter/Spring 2015 Communications Internship

The National Security Network is currently accepting applications for the winter/spring 2015 communications internship (1 position). The internship will run from January to May 2015, with flexible start and end dates.

The internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands on experience in the fields of communication, journalism, and the media. The intern will primarily support the Communications Director to monitor and engage with journalists through traditional and new media.

This will give the intern the chance to see firsthand the importance of effective media outreach and communication to an organization focused on policy development and messaging. The intern will also be able to research, edit and write on key issues of U.S. foreign policy.

This is a unique opportunity to interact with leaders in the progressive foreign policy community and gain hands on experience.  Additionally, the organization’s relationships with the progressive national security community will give the intern an opportunity to interact with a broader network of interns and experts.

Responsibilities of the intern will include (but are not limited to):

• Assisting with press outreach and media analysis
• Compiling a daily list of news items from around the world
• Tracking the use of NSN messaging in the media
• Updating press contact lists and identifying new media contacts
• Assisting with research projects
• Maintaining and updating the website
• Researching  and editing issue briefs, talking points, and policy documents on key national security issues
• Helping coordinate and organize high level speaking events and press calls
• Providing administrative support to the staff
• Occasional audio/video editing and distribution (optional)

Beyond completing their responsibilities, NSN encourages interns to take their own initiative to research and write on a subject of their choice.

Preferred Qualifications:

Undergraduate students (especially juniors and seniors), recent graduates and graduate students with a degree or anticipated degree in international relations, public policy or related field (political science, history, journalism, etc.) are encouraged to apply.

• Strong writing and research skills
• Relevant research experience
• Ability to work both independently and as part of team
• Ability to work in fast paced and dynamic environment
• Flexibility to handle diverse tasks
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiarity with Word Press and other online
• Related administrative experience
• Political experience is a plus

To get the most out of this internship experience, NSN is looking for individuals who are capable of self-motivation and working independently and in some cases with minimal direction.

Candidates should be able to work a minimum of 30 hours per week. A strong preference will be given to applicants who can commit to a minimum of 4 full-time work days a week.

To apply:

To apply for the winter/spring 2015 communications internship with the National Security Network, please submit the following materials to Katie McBee at kmcbee@nsnetwork.org by Monday, December 1, 2014. The subject line should include your name and the internship and internship period for which you are applying.

• Cover letter, including your availability (hours per week and approximate start and end dates)
• Resume
• Short writing sample (2-3 pages)

The suggested deadline for the winter/spring 2015 internship class is Monday, December 1, 2014. Please note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and that we encourage candidates to submit their applications before the suggested deadline. Only those candidates selected for a phone interview will be contacted. Please note that all while all internship positions are unpaid, there is a unique opportunity to attend high-powered national security and networking events on the Hill and throughout Washington.