Intern-External Relations (Summer 2023)
At CSIS we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.
CSIS has been named the “Defense and National Security Center of Excellence” for 2016-2019 as it was voted top defense and national security think tank for 8 consecutive years (2010-2018). CSIS was ranked the #2 “Top Think Tank in the United States.” In 2020, CSIS was also named the “Best Use of Social Media and Networks Center of Excellence,” for 2017-2019 and the world’s #1 think tank in “Best External Relations/Public Engagement Program.” CSIS was voted “Best Regional Studies Center (Free Standing)” for the third consecutive year and number three in “Think Tanks with the Most Innovative Policy Ideas/Proposals” for the second year in a row.
CSIS’s Office of External Relations (ER) seeks highly motivated candidates for a full-time, paid, in-person, internship to join our dynamic and fast-paced team beginning May 2023 and through August 2023. Candidates should be motivated self-starters who are passionate about communication. Interns support Center-wide outreach efforts and play an active support role in a range of outreach, communication, and social media efforts, working closely with the ER team and other CSIS staff. Additionally, interns support ER-led events and provide general administrative support.
The intern will be paid an hourly rate of $16.10–18.10, commensurate with experience.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Support social media efforts, including drafting content (including short videos) from CSIS materials (publications, events, etc.) for various social media channels.
- Support with metrics and analytics compilation.
- Support various long-term projects (outreach research, proposal writing, data gathering) for the ER team, Vice President of Communications, and Chief Communications Officer.
- Monitor CSIS social media channels, tracking followers, engagement, and site referrals.
- Prepare media advisories and event announcements.
- Support with event preparation and staffing.
- Draft and format ER mailings, and support accuracy of mailing lists.
- Provide general administrative support to the full ER team.
Knowledge, education, and experience
- Bachelors’ degree in a relevant field.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to provide strong customer service.
- Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail and the ability to prioritize, track, and accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- General knowledge of international affairs and an interest in the news cycle.
- Previous communication experience and familiarity with social media analytics a plus.
Physical requirements and work conditions
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
How to apply
Applicants must submit both a cover letter and resumé to the CSIS website at https://careers.csis.org/internships. Finalists will be asked for writing samples and references. Interested applicants should apply as soon as possible and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.