Office of Institutional Advancement Internship Program

This internship is designed for undergraduate upperclassmen and recent graduates interested in nonprofit operations, donor engagement, and institutional development within the context of national security and international affairs. The program not only provides practical experience in advancement and communications but also gives exposure for IWP’s master’s degree programs. 

Program Overview

As an intern with the Office of Institutional Advancement, you will gain hands-on experience supporting donor relations, external communications, and institutional events that sustain and expand IWP’s mission. Working closely with advancement professionals, interns will develop skills in relationship management, outreach, and nonprofit administration while also engaging with the broader national security and foreign policy environment that defines the Institute. 

Intern Benefits

Upon successful completion of the Office of Institutional Advancement Internship Program, participants gain access to preferential consideration for IWP’s master’s degrees. Eligible interns will also receive a $3,300 per semester scholarship, applicable toward tuition for the M.A. degree program. Additional merit-based scholarships are available. Interns will also benefit from exclusive lectures, professional development events, and on-site visits to leading institutions and partner organizations. 

Key Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Advancement team, interns will: 

• Assist in the preparation and execution of annual mailings, including mail merge, document packaging, and dispatch. 
• Update and manage donor and institutional records to ensure accuracy and consistency. 
• Draft correspondence using official IWP templates and assist in donor communications. 
• Represent IWP at select public and private events. 
• Contribute to daily office operations, including document formatting, logistics coordination, and other administrative tasks that support institutional efficiency.

Qualifications

Candidates should be current juniors, seniors, or recent graduates in political science, international relations, communications, business, or related fields. Strong organizational, writing, and communication skills are required, along with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. A professional demeanor and attention to detail are essential. Prior experience in office or administrative settings is helpful but not required. 

Hours and Location

Interns are expected to commit 35–40 hours per week during the Summer and 25–30 hours per week during the Fall/Spring semesters. All internships are conducted in person at IWP’s Washington, D.C. campus. Please note that The Institute of World Politics does not offer remote internships. 

Internship Semester Dates and Application Deadlines