Communications Intern

Semester: Fall (September-December 2026)

Status: Part-time Temporary (15-20 hours per week)
Reports to: Ashley Hildebrand, VP of Communications

Stipend: $18.40 per hour

Location: Washington, DC Preferred

ORGANIZATION

Issue One is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization that unites Republicans, Democrats, and independents to win game-changing federal reforms to fix our broken political system and create an inclusive democracy that works for everyone. Issue One educates the public and Congress to pass legislation to increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect the freedom to vote, and strengthen U.S. elections.

POSITION

Issue One seeks a Communications intern interested in amplifying our digital and traditional media presence. The intern will work with our Digital Content Manager to develop social media content and with our Media Relations Manager to support the drafting and distribution of press releases. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who is excited to insert Issue One's voice into fast-moving news cycles and thoughtful media outreach. Experience filming and editing short-form video is a plus, but not required — we're happy to teach.

Our interns are integral members of Issue One, a small but growing office where you will gain hands-on experience in bipartisan outreach and advocacy, communications and messaging tactics, event planning, and much more. We also work closely with other reform organizations and will give you a comprehensive look at the vital work being done nationwide in democracy reform.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Social Media Content Production

• Monitor social channels to identify trending topics and opportunities related to our issue areas
• Write social media content and schedule posts in Sprout Social to support the flow of content on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky
• Film and edit short-form vertical video
• Help expand our digital presence through engagement with followers and peer channels

Traditional Media Outreach

• Read articles and conduct searches to identify reporters covering our issue areas
• Support the drafting of press releases and quotes
• Use Muck Rack to distribute releases to key reporters and maintain reporter lists

REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated interest in democracy, social media, and politics
• A love for content production and using social media for good
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to try new things
• Self-starter who can generate ideas and adapt to new projects
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Commitment to working across party lines to strengthen our democracy

LOCATION

This will be a part-time internship of 15-20 hours per week. Interns can work remotely or join us on-site for a hybrid schedule, including being in our Washington, DC office on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. If remote, they must reside in a state where Issue One is formally established. These states include California, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, or Virginia. Remote opportunities outside of these states will not be available.

We anticipate this being a roughly 13-week internship, with a start date on or about Monday, September 14, through about Friday, December 18.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This intern will be expected to work between 15 and 20 hours per week and be compensated at $18.40 per hour.

Intern Selection Timeline

• July 6-17: Position is posted, and resumes are collected.
• July 20-August 17: Resumes are screened and interviews are scheduled.

• August 17-21: Finalist selected and internship offered.

Special Note: While Issue One will do its best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organization will do its best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after July 17, there’s no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire

Our DEI efforts focus on empowering staff, valuing differences, and ensuring every voice matters. We aim to attract diverse candidates with varied perspectives and experiences, reinforcing our commitment to a workplace where everyone's unique contributions are celebrated.

We ask all applicants to fill out a voluntary self-identification questionnaire as part of our application. This helps us maintain our DEI commitment and create equal opportunities for success.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply by clicking "apply for this job" in the top-right corner of this page. Please include how you heard about the position.

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity, or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.