Communications & Civic Engagement Intern

Position Overview

Team Democracy is seeking a Communications & Civic Engagement Intern to support our digital communications, social media, media relations, and content development efforts across all organizational initiatives.

This role is ideal for a student or recent graduate interested in communications, journalism, public affairs, political science, civic engagement, digital media, or nonprofit leadership. Interns will contribute directly to high-impact projects that promote civic participation, trusted elections, and democratic resilience.

About Team Democracy

Team Democracy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening American democracy through civic engagement, trusted elections, and constructive collaboration across differences.

Our work includes three major initiatives:

• RAFT for America: Bringing Americans together through community-building, civic participation, and constructive engagement.
• Principles for Trusted Elections: A bipartisan effort advancing confidence, transparency, and trust in election administration.
• The Civics Credentialing System: Developing innovative approaches to civic learning and civic participation.

Through these initiatives, Team Democracy works with civic leaders, election officials, nonprofits, businesses, educators, and community organizations to strengthen democratic participation and public trust.

Responsibilities

Content & Social Media

• Support social media engagement across Team Democracy, RAFT for America, Principles for Trusted Elections, and the Civics Credentialing System
• Monitor comments and conversations and identify opportunities for engagement
• Draft social media content and platform-specific messaging
• Schedule content using Buffer
• Pull quotes, highlights, and stories from initiative signers, event participants, speakers, and partners
• Resize and adapt graphics for various social media platforms
• Research emerging trends and conversations related to democracy, civic engagement, elections, and bridge-building
• Organize event photos and maintain digital asset libraries

Email Communications

• Draft newsletter content and organizational updates
• Create thank-you emails for participants, volunteers, sponsors, and partners
• Schedule email campaigns in Mailchimp
• Help maintain and organize contact databases

Public Relations

• Research local and national media outlets relevant to Team Democracy initiatives
• Build and maintain media contact lists
• Draft media advisories and first drafts of press releases
• Track media coverage and compile reporting

Website & Digital Content

• Conduct website audits and quality assurance reviews
• Check website links and functionality
• Organize photography and digital assets
• Support website content updates and maintenance

Research & Monitoring

• Monitor news and developments related to democracy, civic engagement, elections, and political polarization
• Prepare weekly news roundups for staff and stakeholders
• Build and maintain lists of civic engagement leaders, organizations, influencers, and potential partners

Qualifications

• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Interest in democracy, civic engagement, public affairs, journalism, public policy, or nonprofit work
• Familiarity with major social media platforms
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently
• Comfortable working remotely and collaborating with a distributed team

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Canva or similar design tools
• Experience with Mailchimp, Buffer, WordPress, or related platforms
• Previous involvement in student organizations, journalism, communications, advocacy, campaigns, or nonprofit work
• Interest in media relations, digital storytelling, and civic innovation

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience supporting national democracy and civic engagement initiatives
• Exposure to nonprofit communications, coalition-building, and public engagement strategies
• Opportunities to develop skills in social media management, media relations, email marketing, and content creation
• Mentorship from experienced nonprofit and civic leaders
• A portfolio of meaningful communications work tied to real-world impact

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Brief statement of interest (250 - 500 words)
• Writing sample, portfolio, or examples of social media/content work

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Team Democracy is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive civic community and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.