Social Media Intern

Job Description

Job Title: Social Media Intern

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

Employment Type: Temporary, Non-Exempt

Location: Washington D.C. (DMV area preferred, remote flexibility available)

Organizational Overview

The Democracy Defenders family of organizations represents a formidable and strategic force in the crucial battle against authoritarianism. Comprising a c3, a c4 (Democracy Defenders Action), a legally separate PAC, and The Contrarian, this interconnected network is dedicated to restoring and fortifying American democracy. Our work primarily focuses on impactful legal strategies and shaping public opinion through the “court of public opinion.” We are unwavering in our commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring free and fair elections, and vigorously fighting corruption to build a resilient democratic future.

Role Purpose

As the Social Media Intern, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening the reach and impact of our Communications department. This dynamic position involves hands-on social media management and compelling content creation, directly contributing to our mission. This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious rising junior, senior, or recent graduate from a two or four-year undergraduate program to gain invaluable practical experience, cultivate professional relationships, and make a tangible, meaningful impact in the urgent fight to defend our democracy. We believe that a staff reflecting the rich diversity of backgrounds and experiences found within our democracy is essential for its protection, strengthening, and rebuilding; therefore, applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Channel Management & Content Creation: Actively assist with the daily management and strategic content development across key social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and other emerging digital channels.
• Engaging Post Design & Editing: Design, create, and meticulously edit visually compelling and highly engaging posts, with a strong emphasis on producing impactful video-first content that captures attention and conveys our message effectively.
• Editorial Calendar Management: Collaborate with the team to help manage and maintain weekly and monthly editorial calendars, ensuring timely and coordinated content deployment.
• Data-Driven Engagement & Research: Review social media performance data and analytics to identify new engagement opportunities, inform content strategy, and research innovative ideas for original, impactful content that resonates with our audience.

Qualifications

We are seeking a passionate and skilled individual who meets the following criteria:

• Educational Background: Completion of at least two years towards an undergraduate degree from a two or four-year institution; majors in communications, journalism, or political science are preferred.
• Communication Excellence: Demonstrated clear and concise oral and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex ideas effectively.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Proven ability to effectively juggle multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment with critical deadlines.
• Meticulous Attention to Detail: Possesses a strong eye for detail, ensuring accuracy and quality in all content and communications.
• Video Content Acumen: Basic knowledge and practical experience in producing and editing video content for social media platforms.
• Sound Judgment & Discretion: Exercises excellent judgment and maintains utmost discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Unwavering Commitment: Possesses an unwavering commitment to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient, inclusive democracy.
• Diversity & Inclusivity Champion: A deep commitment to diversity and inclusivity, coupled with the ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders across a wide spectrum of cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.

Role and Compensation Details

• Location Preference: This role is ideally based in the Washington DC/DMV area. Candidates available for in-person tasks and meetings will be given preference, though we are open to considering a remote arrangement for an exceptional candidate.
• Compensation: This is a paid internship, offering a competitive rate of $20 per hour.
• Schedule & Duration: Interns will work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from June 1 – July 31, 2026. There is an option to extend the internship for an additional 1-2 weeks into August, and the start date is also flexible to accommodate academic schedules.

Application Instructions

To apply for this impactful opportunity, please submit your application via our portal: https://grnh.se/3o9etlvj9us. In addition to your resume, we request that you provide brief responses (300 words or less for each) to the following prompts in lieu of a traditional cover letter:

1. Motivation: Why are you interested in working with Democracy Defenders Action to protect democracy, election integrity, and the rule of law?
2. Unique Qualification: What is one prior experience that makes you uniquely qualified for this role? Please explain briefly.
3. Diversity & Engagement: 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?

Democracy Defenders Action is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and 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.

Don’t hesitate to apply! If you are unsure about whether you meet all the qualifications, we strongly encourage you to make a compelling case for your candidacy. A human reviews all application materials, and we are genuinely eager to hear from candidates who may not meet every single qualification, who possess transferable skills, and who have non-traditional work histories. Your unique perspective and potential are highly valued here.