External Relations, Summer Internship at Bipartisan Policy Center – Washington, District of Columbia

BPC's Summer Internship Program

BPC has a robust summer internship program. Interns work full time and will receive a $6,000 stipend for ten weeks of work. Interns must be a rising Junior or above. Applicants must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate program or a be recent graduate. Interns will provide functional support, conduct research, and work directly with project analysts and staff in various capacities.

Our Summer Internship program runs from June 1 to August 7, 2026.

*Please note that this summer internship is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position, with on-site work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at BPC’s office at 1225 I (Eye) Street in Washington, DC.*

Relocation assistance will not be provided.

Project Description

The Bipartisan Policy Center’s success depends on its ability to both communicate its work effectively and secure the resources to sustain it. The External Relations department, which includes communications, development, and events, plays a vital role in amplifying BPC’s mission and impact. As part of a cross-functional team, the External Relations intern will gain hands-on experience in nonprofit communications, donor relations, media outreach, and digital engagement while supporting BPC’s policy initiatives.

Responsibilities

The External Relations intern will work closely with members of the communications and development teams to assist with a variety of projects that strengthen BPC’s visibility, credibility, and sustainability. Duties may include:

• Building targeted press lists and monitoring and reporting on earned media coverage
• Conducting industry, organizational, and media research and analysis to support external communications engagement
• Drafting press releases, media pitches, event language, talking points, and social media content; Designing and creating written and visual content events and social media
• Researching funding prospects (foundations, corporations, and individuals) and helping prepare briefing memos for use by leadership and external audiences
• Supporting donor cultivation, stewardship, and outreach activities and assisting with database entry to help maintain accurate constituent records
• Providing organizational and planning assistance for meetings and special events

Qualifications

• Undergraduate (rising juniors and above), graduate students, or recent graduates
• Strong interest in public policy, politics, communications, and/or nonprofit management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong editing ability
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and follow-up skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel); database or design software experience desirable
• Creative, collaborative, and able to work in a fast-paced team environment

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a qualified candidate has been identified. Please do not send multiple submissions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Due to the number of applications received, we are unable to contact those who have not been selected for an internship. No phone calls, please. Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply but must have a valid work permit or visa verifying eligibility to work in the United States. We do not offer visa sponsorship.

Required materials (please submit as one PDF File):

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Relevant writing sample (3-5 pages)
• College or university transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
• Brief response to the statement "What does Bipartisanship mean to you?" (5-8 sentences)

To celebrate diversity and ensure equity and inclusivity, BPC is committed to:

• Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce with insights and solutions for our increasingly divided society.
• Creating a workplace culture where all employees feel valued and their perspectives are heard.