Public Affairs/Communications Intern

Job Description

Job Title: Public Affairs/Communications Intern

Organization: Democracy Defenders Action (a 501(c)(4) organization)

Job Type: Temporary, Non-Exempt, Remote Internship

Organizational Overview

The Democracy Defenders family of organizations (comprising a c3, c4, legally separate PAC, and The Contrarian) stands as a leader in the fight against authoritarianism. This collective strategically operates in both the courts and the court of public opinion to restore American democracy by diligently: upholding the rule of law, safeguarding free and fair elections, and fighting corruption.

Role Purpose

The Public Affairs/Communications Intern is crucial for bolstering the work of our Communications department through meticulous tracking of news coverage and the development of comprehensive press lists. This role presents an excellent opportunity for a rising junior, senior, or recent graduate from a two or four-year undergraduate program to gain hands-on experience, build valuable relationships, and make a meaningful impact towards defending our democracy.

To best protect, strengthen, and rebuild our democracy, it is critical that DDA’s staff reflects the diversity of backgrounds and experiences represented in the democracy we seek to defend. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Performing administrative duties including scheduling and recordkeeping.
• Tracking news coverage and major developments on key issues.
• Developing comprehensive press lists for media outreach initiatives.
• Assisting with various research projects.
• Drafting various collateral materials, including press releases and fact sheets.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Completion of two years towards an undergraduate degree from a two or four-year institution.
• Communications, Journalism, and Political Science majors preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated clear and concise oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced and extremely high-stakes environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail.

Values & Commitments:

• Unwavering commitment to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy.
• Strong commitment to diversity and inclusivity, coupled with an ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.

Role and Compensation Details

• Location: This is a remote position and may be performed from any state in the U.S. Optional access to office space is available in Washington, DC.
• Compensation: This is a paid internship at a rate of $20 per hour.
• Schedule: Interns will work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• Duration: From June 1 – July 31, 2026, with an option to extend 1-2 weeks into August. The start date is also flexible.

Application Instructions

To apply, please visit: https://grnh.se/ie22nfwc9us.

Submit your resume, and in lieu of a traditional cover letter, respond briefly (300 words or less) to the following prompts:

1. Why are you interested in working with us to protect democracy, election integrity, and the rule of law?
2. What is one prior experience that makes you uniquely qualified for this role? Please explain briefly.
3. What experience do you have, both personally and professionally, that will help you represent and engage audiences with the diversity of backgrounds and experiences found in our democracy?

Equal Opportunity Employer & Application Encouragement

Democracy Defenders Action is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are unsure about applying, we strongly encourage you to make a case as to why you are a compelling candidate. A human reviews all application materials, and we are eager to hear from candidates who may not meet all of the listed qualifications, who possess transferable skills, and who have non-traditional work histories.