Communications Intern

The Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies (DFI) desires to hire a Communications Intern to support our growing communications and digital strategy team as we defend freedom, liberty, and opportunity in America’s schools and workplaces.

About DFI

Based in Washington, DC, DFI is a nonprofit legal and policy advocacy organization focused on federal education, workforce, and civil rights issues. DFI envisions a republic where freedom and innovation flourish in our nation’s schools and workplaces, so that all Americans have equal opportunities to learn and work, liberated from undue regulatory burdens, bureaucracy, and discriminatory practices.

We strongly believe in the visionary principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the great civil rights legislation of the twentieth century—that all persons are born free and created equal with inalienable rights;  that the central government should be limited to secure those freedoms and rights;  that the Constitution and the nation’s laws are color blind and rest on the principle of  nondiscrimination; and that all persons should have the freedom to worship and choose the education, work, and life that is best for them. 

We fight for the public good by limiting the power of federal agencies, bureaucrats, and teachers unions, expanding opportunities for families, communities, and States, and ensuring the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans.   

Responsibilities

This position will report to DFI’s Director of Media Outreach and Spokesperson, and the ideal candidate should be comfortable navigating social platforms, interested in public policy, and eager to help DFI connect with and grow our audience online. This is a hands-on opportunity to work at the intersection of digital media and public policy—with the potential to grow into a permanent role.

Key duties include:

  • Tracking social media performance across platforms and assisting in monitoring digital ad spending
  • Uploading social media content across platforms using scheduling software
  • Monitoring news cycles and trending topics for real-time social media engagement opportunities
  • Keeping DFI’s website content current, engaging, and relevant
  • Researching and reporting on emerging trends in social media and digital communications
  • Brainstorming and pitching engaging content ideas, including infographics, short videos, and interactive posts
  • Supporting the production and distribution of DFI’s Freedom to Learn podcast, including uploading episodes, drafting captions, and assisting with promotion
  • Assisting in developing content calendars, writing social copy, and scheduling posts
  • Collaborating with team members on campaign planning and brand consistency

Qualifications

DFI requires the following qualifications for this position:

  • A passionate commitment to DFI’s mission, vision, and principles and a strong desire to serve the public good
  • Collegiality, a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and a commitment to professionalism, ethics, and civility
  • Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial work environment—a self-starter with a creative mindset and attention to detail
  • Excellent organizational, time management, and writing and verbal communication skills
  • Current student or recent graduate in communications, digital media, or a related field
  • Comfort in using major social platforms (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube) and basic analytics tools
  • Interest in public policy, education reform, and civil and constitutional rights
  • Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or video editing tools
  • Familiarity with WordPress or basic web editing is a plus

Location

Candidates should be comfortable working remotely and independently, as well as collaborating with a team. Although DFI anticipates continuing remote operations for the foreseeable future and employees work remotely from any location in the continental United States, candidates based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan are preferred.

Compensation 

This position offers a nonprofit competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Travel

Travel may be required.

Application Process and Timing

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please provide the following to Trisha Ruckart at Trisha.Ruckart@dfipolicy.org:

  • Your resume
  • A cover letter addressing your interest and passion for DFI’s mission and the Communications Intern role, as well as how your experience relates to the responsibilities and qualifications of the position (1-2 pages)
  • A writing sample (up to 10 pages)

DFI is an equal opportunity employer.

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