National Security Network

Winter/Spring 2015 General Internship

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

The internship provides the unique opportunity to gain an understanding of the operation of a non-profit foreign policy organization at all levels: policy/research, communications, outreach, coalition building, and administration. Working with the organization at all levels will give the intern firsthand experience in and knowledge of how an organization effectively decides upon and distributes its message.

The intern will take part in policy analysis and development on key U.S. national security and foreign policy issues, crafting the messaging for the policies, and distributing the message to a wide variety of groups and individuals.

This is a great 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):

• Researching and editing issue briefs, talking points, and policy documents
• Compiling a daily list of news items from around the world
• Assisting with research projects
• Attending and writing summaries of events, meetings, and hearings
• Tracking specific issue areas for ongoing projects
• Assisting with press outreach and media analysis
• Updating and maintaining the website
• Assisting with event planning
• Providing administrative support to the staff

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 general 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.