Policy & Representation Internship - Fall/Winter 2025

OVERVIEW

A thriving mission-driven multimedia organization NPR produces award-winning news information and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information creativity curiosity and social responsibility and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide.

Across our organization were building a workplace where collaboration is essential diverse voices are heard and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR.This means that integrity adherence to our ethical standards and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

Program Duration: October 6th 2025 - April 17th 2026

INTERN WILL LEARN AND BE EXPOSED TO:

Policy & Representation is responsible for supporting a healthy policy environment for NPR and Member stations including advocating for legislation to support the public radio system. Our office manages several advocacy initiatives to enhance and improve public radios service to the American public and develops strategies and efforts to organize and mobilize lawmaker and public support for public radio.

As a member of the team the intern will support policy and communications activities with the opportunity to gain knowledge of the legislative process advocacy strategy and effective communication. We are a small dedicated team and the intern will have an opportunity to play an integral role in our work to advocate for the public radio system educate lawmakers about public radio and develop public support for this service.

Interns will have the opportunity to experience & support the work of the team in the following areas...

• Legislative research and research projects to support lawmaker education or engagement
• Drafting of collateral about public radio and organization of information to promote awareness of public radio
• Support in preparing presentation materials and talking points
• Communications support for grassroots activities that develop public support for public radio
• Preparing for in-person and virtual events for public radio awareness
• All work of the intern is to be performed under the close supervision of the host team

A strong internship candidate for this role might have

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Basic knowledge of the legislative process and familiarity with Congress or state legislatures
• Proficient in the use of MS Word Excel PowerPoint Google suite products design software WordPress and MailChimp
• Conversant on a range of social media platforms
• Collaborative working style experience working in small teams and the ability to complete high-quality independent work
• Strong organizational and time management skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously

Please note: Under NPRs Employee Code of Conduct Employee will be considered an Outward Facing Employee and as such should (i) avoid public participation in political and partisan activities in order to protect NPRs reputation and its ability to pursue its mission; and (ii) refrain from public statements or actions that might call into question NPRs commitment to accuracy and fairness.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample (optional)

EDUCATION

• Must be a current student in an accredited degree program or a recent graduate of no more than 12 months from the month of the start of the internship with a focus on public policy political science or communications.

WORK LOCATION

• Hybrid Permitted: This is a hybrid permitted role. Some aspects of this role include duties that are better performed at an NPR facility. The employee will be required to be onsite at the Washington DC office at least 10 days a year. The employee must also reside in an NPR supported location based on the number of onsite days they choose.

JOB TYPE

• This is a temporary (28-week) part time internship.

COMPENSATION

Hourly Rate: The U.S. based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $20.00 per hour. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for internships across all US locations.

Benefits: NPR provides interns with multiple benefits and amenities. Interns receive immediate eligibility to contribute electively to a Principal 403(b) retirement plan and access to the Transit Flexible Spending Account for commuter benefits. Interns working out of DC HQ enjoy free access to on-site Cigna medical providers no cost fitness center access as well as bike facilities and garage parking available onsite. Interns can access the Employee Assistance Program which provides confidential counseling services as well as Business Travel Accident coverage and Global Guardian membership and they also qualify for Signal Financial Federal Credit Union membership. NPR interns who work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for holiday pay. This includes pay for the companys 10 observed holidays plus one floating holiday per year. Interns automatically earn 3.08 hours of sick leave each pay period without any waiting time restrictions and can utilize paid administrative leave as necessary. Interns have access to professional development opportunities and can benefit from flexible work hours and telecommuting options.

SCHEDULE

15-20 hours per week; Set schedule to be determined based on intern availability.

Applications close on Monday June 30th at 11:59 pm ET.

Does this sound like you If so we want to hear from you.

NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives all working toward the same goal to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race color ethnicity national origin ancestry age religion religious belief sex (including pregnancy childbirth and related medical conditions lactation and reproductive health decisions) sexual orientation gender gender identity or expression transgender status gender non-conforming status intersex status sexual stereotypes nationality citizenship status personal appearance marital status family status family responsibilities military status veteran status mental and physical disability medical condition genetic information genetic characteristics of yourself or a family member political views and affiliation unemployment status protective order status status as a victim of domestic violence sexual assault or stalking or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.

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