NEA Public Affairs Intern, Center for Communications (Fall 2026)

If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today.

Posting Period:

August 22, 2026 - Until Filled

Employee Type:

OO126 Center for Communications (COMMS), SHORTTERM Short-term Temps

Position Type:

Intern (Fixed Term)

Position Details:

NEA is accepting applications for individuals interested in participating as a NEA Counter Disinformation Intern in the NEA Internship Program, Center for Communications, Public Affairs team, for the Fall 2026 session, which will begin on September 14, 2026, and end on or before December 14, 2026. The internships may range from six weeks to a full semester. Interns will receive a stipend of twenty dollars ($20) per hour and may intern up to a maximum of twenty (20) hours a week. This internship is based at NEA Headquarters in Washington, DC

The NEA Internship Program provides interns with training, learning opportunities, educational activities, and exposure to a variety of rich and substantive programmatic experiences that support quality public education. These experiences may include conducting research; data analysis; writing and editing memos and materials; curating disinformation reports; participating in and assisting with partnership events, meetings, and forums; and other appropriate program-related activities.

NEA Internships: Position Summary

The NEA partners with institutions of higher education, intern programs, and other organizations to identify interns - generally, but not limited to, juniors, seniors, recent college graduates (up to 18 months), or graduate students - who are interested in public education policy and education issues. Students pursuing degrees in Education, Political Science, Government, Human Resources, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Business, Finance, Economics, Management, Communications, Computer Science, Journalism, Mass Media, Graphic Design, Digital Communications, and other disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Position Emphasis: This position supports NEA’s strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by participating in internship opportunities and assignments in the Center for Communications, Public Affairs team of the National Education Association.

Intern assignments include:

• Support the Public Affairs team in building and maintaining weekly message and event calendar

• Support the creation of audience mapping and profiles

• Support campaigns related to external events that help drive NEA priority messages and content (ex. Teacher Appreciation Week)

• Support message brief creation and organization of NEA message documents

• Help identify proactive opportunities to advance NEA’s message through events and public engagements

• Analyze opposition to understand their messaging, strategies and monitor emerging threats

• Draft and edit disinformation report summaries, based on research from social media and other new trends

• Support execution of paid media campaigns and reports

Additional Proposed Intern Activities: NEA interns will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with NEA staff and participate in a variety of meaningful learning experiences, projects and opportunities during the internship. In addition to participating in assigned Center/department activities, based on their skills and interests, interns will also have opportunities to participate in relevant NEA sponsored and/or approved group activities that may occur at NEA or in the Washington Metropolitan area. The group activities may include participation in interviews with the NEA President and Executive Director, and organizational leadership and staff, observing NEA events such as Representative Assembly events, Board meetings or cross Center/department events, and participating in policy forums, organizing or lobbying activities or organized partner or Intern events in the Washington DC Metropolitan area, such as Washington DC Intern Week.

Expected skills and opportunities for development that the intern may obtain from this educational experience.

Public Affairs Intern will have the opportunity to develop/obtain:

• Organization skills

• Experience working under deadline pressure

• Keyboarding

• Experience Using Social Media

• Interviewing skills

• Writing and editing skills

• Ability to learn and experience using several key media databases

Additionally, NEA Interns will learn about the NEA, its role in public education, issues affecting NEA members at the national, state and local level and advocacy strategies to support members and the students they serve. In addition to obtaining experience in their area of interest, interns may develop skills in collaboration, communication, writing, research, analysis, preparing reports, interviewing, and use of organizing tools and strategies.

TO APPLY:

Please upload the following documents to your Workday application:

1) Resume

2) Cover letter – indicating preferred department or area(s) of interest

3) Letter of recommendation

4) Writing sample

Individuals selected for an interview will be contacted by the Center or department and additional samples may be required at the time of the interview.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided: The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO APPLY.

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NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.