IT Operations 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

In this role you will be the first point of contact to support staff and the technology they use at NPR, from business applications to network connectivity, broadcast and podcast production. You will provide staff with training and troubleshooting assistance at the application and hardware level. This role works closely with other technology teams to support our tools and services so that technology issues are addressed quickly. 

The ideal candidate will have the desire to enter into the IT Operations fields and have relevant coursework or IT Support experience. You will work as part of the IT Operations team to support NPR staff and the technology they use.  The internship will focus on resolving issues with applications, hardware, accounts, and connectivity in an enterprise IT environment as well as helping with reporting and projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide end-user support to resolve technical incidents for staff working in-person and remotely 
• Diagnose issues with computers, mobile devices, and peripheral hardware 
• Diagnose issues with network connectivity over ethernet, wireless, and VPN 
• Troubleshoot applications on PC, Mac, mobile 
• Manage accounts for mail, telecom, and access controls 
• Administer user and computer accounts using Active Directory, Azure, Exchange Admin Center, MFA
• Monitor, triage, and take ownership of support incidents 
• Assist in building PCs, installing applications, testing, maintaining, and supporting PCs, mobile devices, and peripherals 
• Provide creative troubleshooting and support for applications and production systems 
• Responds to service requests within required Service Level Agreement 
• Collaborate with other teams to support local infrastructure and services and assist with projects 
• Address system outages by following appropriate escalation path 
• Perform periodic audits of equipment, access, and accounts  
• Correspond with internal NPR clients and departments 
• Create knowledgebase articles for repeatable processes 
• Adhere to Service Desk policies and procedures and all organizational security standards  

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 

The candidate selected will have a majority of the following skills, abilities, competencies and knowledge: 

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office 
• Computer hardware, application, OS, and mobile troubleshooting skills 
• Exceptional customer service/interpersonal skills 
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills 
• Ability to operate in a deadline driven environment and successfully prioritize multiple responsibilities 
• Must be able to work cooperatively with others as part of a team, hold own work to high standards, and inspire others to do the same 
• Self-Starter, detail oriented, with strong organizational skills especially as it pertains to process execution, testing, following policy and procedures 
• Prior Service Desk experience or equivalent education/technical training or internship is a plus 

Application Requirements

• Resume 
• Cover Letter

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 Washington, D.C.

Job Type

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

Schedule 

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) internship with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST, with an hour lunch break.

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.