FDD Action Congressional Relations Internship

Job Description

Internship Opportunities

Employer: The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.

About FDD’s Internship Program:
FDD offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit (stipend eligibility requirements must be met). FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.

Application Process Note: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Job Title: FDD Action Congressional Relations Internship

Job Type: Internship (Full-time and Part-time options available)

About FDD Action: FDD Action advocates for effective policies to strengthen U.S. national security.

Role Focus: Interns will work closely with FDD Action staff on several of their congressional projects.

Key Responsibilities:
• Cover congressional hearings.
• Research and analyze policy issues being considered by Congress.
• Complete other legislative projects on timely national security issues.

Desired Skills & Qualities:
• Broad research experience.
• Interest in the legislative branch.
• Detail-oriented.
• Highly motivated.
• Proactive.
• Prior experience on Capitol Hill is a plus, but not required.

Learning Outcomes & Professional Development:
Interns will:
• Learn how Congress operates.
• Hone their written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Gain experience in project management, legislative research, and critical thinking.

Career Guidance and Mentorship:
• Opportunity to participate in educational training and small group sessions.
• Learn from issue area experts and FDD Action staff about their professional experiences.
• Opportunity to meet with policy experts one-on-one (offer remains open to interns after the internship).

Specific Cover Letter Requirement for this Role: In your cover letter, please share a particular national security issue of interest, the reason for your interest, and your thoughts about the issue.

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Eligibility Requirements:
• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
• Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Application Materials Required:
1. Resume/CV
2. Cover letter
• Please review the FDD website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why.
• Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.
• For this specific role, also include a particular national security issue of interest, the reason for your interest, and your thoughts about the issue.
• Specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter.
3. Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
4. Unofficial transcript copy

Important Application Note: While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest. Incomplete applications will not be considered.