Join Our Team: Communications Intern

Location: Remote or hybrid. Preference will be given to candidates residing in the Washington, DC area
Commitment: 10-15 hours weekly
Start Date: Flexible
Duration: 6 months, with possibility for extension
Compensation: Stipend of $2,000
 

 
About the Role
Portulans Institute (PI) is seeking a highly motivated Communications Intern to develop proactive and strategic communications and media engagement strategy for the Institute’s research, publications, and fellowship programs. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful work at the intersection of innovation, technology governance, and digital policy within a globally connected think tank.
The internship duration is 6 months, with possibility for extension into a permanent part-time position depending on the organization’s resources and needs.
 
Key Responsibilities

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Develop engaging communications materials to promote PI’s reports, events, and initiatives across the website, blog, newsletters, and social media platforms.
  • Support planning and execution of PI webinars, workshops, and high-level events involving global stakeholders.
  • Help manage relationships with key partners, advisory board members, and affiliated networks to advance PI’s mission and expand its reach.

Policy Analysis and Research

  • Monitor and analyze national and international policy trends in innovation, digital transformation, and technology governance.
  • Draft and contribute policy briefs, blogs, and other thought leadership pieces on emerging issues aligned with PI’s focus areas.
  • Conduct literature reviews, prepare research summaries, and support data collection and analysis for PI’s global indices and other research outputs.

Partnership and Stakeholder Support

  • Provide administrative support for governance activities including board meetings, drafting meeting minutes, and coordinating with PI’s partners or stakeholders on joint initiatives.

 
Qualifications & Experience

  • Current or recent graduate with a Masters in Public Policy, Technology Policy, International Relations, Economics, or a related field. 
  • Minimum of 1 year experience in communications, policy research, or similar roles within think tanks, international organizations, or academia.
  • Strong understanding of global innovation and digital policy issues.
  • Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex ideas for diverse audiences.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Proficiency in visual design and marketing tools (Canva, Mailchimp, WordPress, Excel).
  • Comfortable working across time zones and in hybrid team environments.

 
Why Join Us
At PI you will join a small, dynamic team working to advance global conversations and research on innovation and digital transformation. You will contribute to high-profile international projects and engage with leading experts, policymakers, and institutions worldwide.
 
Ready to Apply?
Please send a resume and brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to administrator@portulansinstitute.org with the subject line [Intern Application – Last Name].
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with preference given to candidates who apply by March 9th.
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