Campaigns and Elections Intern (Volunteer)

NEA is accepting applications for individuals interested in participating in the NEA Internship Program as a Center for Advocacy and Political Action Volunteer Intern for the Summer 2026 session, which will begin on or after May 4, 2026, and will last no more than 16 weeks.  The internships range from six weeks to a full semester.  This is an unpaid internship, and hours will vary due to program requirements. This internship is not remote, and interns must be able to travel to the NEA Headquarters building in Washington, DC.

Position Emphasis: 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, editing, using Internet applications and social media; participating in and assisting with partnership events, meetings, and policy forums; visits to Capitol Hill; and other appropriate program-related activities.  The NEA partners with institutions of higher education, intern programs, and other organizations to identify interns - generally 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 Summary/Details: This role is ideal for a strong communicator and detail-oriented candidate who is interested in supporting NEA’s strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by participating 2026 election activities and other assignments in the Center for Advocacy and Political Action as part of our Campaigns and Elections Department.

Interns will participate in a variety of areas, such as political campaigns and organizing, general organizing and union issues, membership and organizing, organization development, strategic planning, capacity building, team building, education reform, and campaign planning elements, such as budgets, timelines, targeting, communications, research, and data. The intern uses effective interpersonal skills and an understanding of group/human dynamics to develop organizing/capacity-building strategies. Interns may learn presentation skills, how to develop legislative and political strategies, and collect, analyze, and maintain written materials to support, present, and/or report on assigned projects and expectations.  

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. 

Through this educational experience, interns will have opportunities to develop skills in:

• Gain experience in a membership/labor organization.

• Gain experience on federal policy and regulatory issues

• Gain experience in navigating official protocol and relationships with internal and external partners

• Gain experience in research and communications

• Interns will also 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.

Additionally, NEA Interns will learn about the NEA, its role in public education and elections, 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.

APPLY IF INTERESTED.

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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