Spring Internship 2026 - External Relations

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:

• Monitoring and reporting on earned media coverage.
• Maintaining and building targeted press lists.
• Conducting industry, organizational, and media research and analysis.
• Drafting press releases, media pitches, event language, donor correspondence, talking points, and social media content.
• Designing and creating digital materials for events and social media campaigns.
• Researching funding prospects (foundations, corporations, and individuals).
• Helping prepare briefing memos for use by leadership and external audiences.
• Supporting donor cultivation, stewardship, and outreach activities.
• Assisting with database entry and maintaining 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.

SPRING PROGRAM

BPC has a robust spring internship program. Interns work full time, and will receive a $3,000 stipend for ten weeks of work. Interns must be rising juniors or above. Applicants must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate program or a recent graduate. Interns will provide functional support, conduct research, and work directly with project analysts and staff in various capacities. 

 *Please note that our Spring internship will be in person*

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):

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Relevant writing sample (3-5 pages).

• College or university transcript (unofficial is acceptable).

• Phone and email contact information for two professional references, including a professor or other individual familiar with your work.

• Brief response to to the statement "What does Bipartisanship mean to you?" (5-8 sentences).

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• Spring internships: November 21st

BPC Diversity Statement  The Bipartisan Policy Center defines diversity as the range of human qualities that make us unique as individuals, including—but not limited to—age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression, geographic location, nationality, political philosophy, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.  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.• Developing policy solutions and undertaking research that reflect a diversity of thought and experience.