Communications Internship - Fall 2026

OVERVIEW

A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide. 

Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

Internship Program Duration: October 5th, 2026 - April 16th, 2027

Application Instructions: Applications close on Sunday, June 14th at 11:59 pm ET.

Intro to Position

Join NPR’s Communications team as a Fall 2026 Intern and make an impact! In this role based in our New York office or Washington DC headquarters, you will help shape NPR’s narrative by drafting content for NPR Extra social accounts, preparing executive briefings, and researching media opportunities. You will gain hands-on Communications experience while exploring the future of the industry and helping to design new AI-driven workflows. A major developmental goal for this internship is upleveling our reporting infrastructure; you will build dashboards, monitor real-time brand mentions, and drive coverage reports that directly inform NPR's overarching strategy. This is a unique opportunity to build core Communications skills and create deliverables that serve stakeholders across all of NPR.

Responsibilities

• Draft promotional content for NPR Extra social accounts and blog to amplify key moments (awards, events, announcements); align content with NPR’s messaging pillars and the Communications team’s editorial calendar   
• Monitor NPR Extra channels and external brand mentions daily; flag breaking issues and opportunities for the Communications team and stakeholders 
• Produce coverage reports (monthly and for specific campaigns/announcements), including top stories, social mentions, reach, and narrative breakthrough, using MuckRack analytics and other tools as relevant 
• Draft executive briefing documents for media interviews and public speaking, providing outlet/event background, logistics overview, and talking points based on existing messaging guidance 
• Provide research on incoming event and media opportunities to help Communications team assess relevance 
• Assist in the design and deployment of new AI-driven workflows and tools to create efficiencies in the Communications team’s operations, working with team leadership to identify needs and project scope

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

Qualifications 

• Demonstrated writer who can shift between a punchy social caption and a polished executive briefing document
• Possess strong instincts for social media and can adapt content for different platforms and moments
• Comfort (or eager to get comfortable) using analytics or media monitoring tools to track coverage and brand mentions
• Have explored and applied AI tools to real tasks, and are excited to take that further to help a real team work smarter
• Can juggle multiple projects at once and flag issues before they become problems
• Care about public media and want your work to serve a mission that matters

Application Requirements

• Resume 
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample (optional)

Education Requirements

• Must be a current student in an accredited degree program or a recent graduate of no more than 12 months from the month of the start of the internship.

Work Location & Requirements

• On-Site: This is an on-site role based in either Washington D.C. or New York, NY.

Job Type

• This is a part-time, non-exempt internship.

Schedule

• Intern must be available Monday—Friday for up to 20 hours of work.

Compensation

Hourly Rate The U.S.-based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $20.00 per hour. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

NPR Benefits: NPR offers interns a robust package of benefits and resources designed to foster their professional development and support their overall well-being. Interns are eligible to make elective contributions to the NPR 403(b) retirement plan. As an intern, you have access to Transit Commuter benefits through HealthEquity, which allow you to set aside pre tax funds for eligible commuting expenses.  You are also eligible for membership with the Signal Financial Federal Credit Union, giving you access to a range of financial services and resources. At our DC Headquarters, interns enjoy free access to on-site Wellness Center, free fitness center membership, secure bike facilities, garage parking, and onsite cafeteria. Other benefits include the Employee Assistance Program with up to six face-to-face counseling sessions per issue, Global Guardian worldwide assistance, and Business Travel Accident coverage. Additionally, interns working 30 or more hours per week receive holiday pay for 10 observed holidays plus one floating holiday per year and accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave each pay period with no waiting period.  NPR also supports career growth and work-life balance through professional development opportunities, flexible work hours, and telecommuting options.

Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.

#LI-ONSITE

NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives, all working toward the same goal – to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, religious belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, gender non-conforming status, intersex status, sexual stereotypes, nationality, citizenship status, personal appearance, marital status, family status, family responsibilities, military status, veteran status, mental and physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, genetic characteristics of yourself or a family member, political views and affiliation, unemployment status, protective order status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please reach out to employeerelations@npr.org.

You may read NPR’s privacy policy to learn about how NPR may handle information you submit with any application.

Want more NPR? Explore the stories behind the stories on our NPR Extra blog. Get social with NPR Extra on Facebook and Instagram. Find more career opportunities at NPR.org/careers.