Communications Summer Intern

Communications Intern

Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire a Communications Intern for a full-time, paid summer internship in a democracy and governance firm.

This is a paid internship ($18/hour). This role is scheduled to be a hybrid remote/in-person internship at DI's offices in Bethesda, MD. We will only consider applicants who are based in the DC area and willing to work a hybrid in-office/remote schedule. The deadline for submitting applications for this position is February 3, 2025. 

Essential Job Duties:

• Updating and maintaining DI’s social media presence;
• Assisting Communications and Marketing Technical Specialist with long-term projects;
• Assisting in planning, writing, and managing newsletters;
• Writing occasional blog posts on DI projects, including gathering information from reports and working with various project teams;
• Staying up-to-date on current events in international development, politics, governance and elections in foreign countries;
• Creating and editing graphics in Canva, Adobe InDesign, or Adobe Photoshop;
• Updating DI website as needed;
• Maintaining communications database, Airtable, on a day-to-day basis;
• Maintaining communication files on DI shared drive.

Qualifications:

• Coursework/demonstrated interest in communications, international affairs, area studies, comparative politics or international development;
• Experience supporting social media outlets preferred;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple demands, prioritize and produce high quality work under pressure;
• Commitment to accuracy in all tasks and attention to detail and follow up is essential;
• Ability to take initiative, function independently and exercise good judgment;
• Experience with Canva and Adobe Suite preferred;
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications;
• Fluency in English and excellent writing and communications skills;
• able to work in-person (part-time) at our Bethesda, MD office (must be vaccinated) and
• Authorized to work in the U.S.

Environmental Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, printers, and moderate traffic).
• Ability to work in a confined office space/area.
• Ability to sit and/or stand at a computer desk for an extended period of time.

Physical Requirements Required to Perform Essential Responsibilities:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to;

• Stand, sit; talk, hear, use of hands and fingers, and perform repetitive motions to operate a computer and telephone keyboard.
• Reach, stoop, or kneel, to adjust computer and/or telephone equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Hearing abilities required due to telephone.
• Light to moderate lifting is possible.
• Regular, predictable attendance is required.

Application Process:

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and CV on Democracy International's website by February 3, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at time of application. DI will not sponsor applicants for work Visa.

Democracy International maintains the highest ethical standards. We are committed to prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

About the Organization:

DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.

DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.