Policy Intern (undergrad)

Democracy Defenders Action, a 501(c)(4) organization

Temporary, Non-Exempt, Remote

Organizational Overview

The Democracy Defenders family of organizations (a c3, c4, legally separate PAC, and The Contrarian) is a leader in the fight against authoritarianism, working strategically in the courts and court of public opinion to restore American democracy by: upholding the rule of law, safeguarding free and fair elections, and fighting corruption.

Role Purpose

The Policy Intern bolsters the work of our Policy, Oversight, and Ethics department through tracking legislative items, conducting research, and contributing to written products focused on voting rights, election protection, and corruption. This is an excellent opportunity for a rising senior or recent graduate of an undergraduate program to gain hands-on experience, build relationships, and make a meaningful impact towards defending our democracy. 

To best protect, strengthen, and rebuild our democracy, it is critical that DDA’s staff reflects the diversity of backgrounds and experiences represented in the democracy we seek to defend. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal, policy, and research in support of voting rights, election protection, anti-corruption, ethics, and other democracy-protection related projects.
• Survey and track legislative, regulatory, and policy items at the federal and state levels impacting DDA's focus areas--including, elections, corruption, and ethics.
• Assist with the preparation of public comments, statements for the record, and other advocacy submissions to federal and state agencies.
• Perform fact-checking, as needed, to support policy work.
• Assist with stakeholder communications by drafting educational materials, managing contact lists, and assisting with coalition logistics.
• Monitor hearings and other public-facing events for key policy developments.   
• Draft and contribute to written products, including policy reports, op-eds, issue briefs, summaries, and rapid-response materials.

Qualifications

• At least three years completed towards an undergraduate degree; communications, journalism, and political science majors preferred. 
• Clear and concise written communication. 
• Tolerant of juggling multiple, changing, and competing priorities in a fast-paced and extremely high stakes environment. 
• Demonstrates sound judgment and contextual awareness when engaging with communities, incorporating historical context and stakeholder perspectives into analysis and decision-making. 
• Proactively identifies emerging risks, gaps, and opportunities aligned with DDA’s mission. 
• Ability to empathize and find common ground among multiple points of view.
• Unwavering commitment to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy. 
• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity and an ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. 

Role and Compensation Details 

• This is a remote position that may be performed from any state in the U.S. We offer optional access to office space in Washington, DC. 
• This is a paid internship: $20/ hour.
• Interns will work 40 hours/week Monday through Friday from June 1 - July 31 2026; with an option to extend 1-2 weeks into August. Start date is also flexible. 

Application Instructions 

To apply, submit your resume, and in lieu of a cover letter, respond briefly (300 words or less) to the below prompts:

1. Why are you interested in working with us to protect democracy, election integrity, and the rule of law? 
2. What is one prior experience that makes you uniquely qualified for this role? Please explain briefly. 
3. What experience do you have, both personally and professionally, that will help you represent and engage audiences with the diversity of backgrounds and experiences found in our democracy? 

Democracy Defenders Action is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

If you are unsure about applying, we encourage you to make a case as to why you are a compelling candidate. A human reviews all application materials, and we are eager to hear from candidates who may not meet all of the qualifications, who possess transferable skills, and who have non-traditional work histories.