What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design and Visuals Summer 2026 Internship position at Foundation for Defense of Democracies?
Internship Opportunities
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.
About FDD's Internship Program
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Design and Visuals Intern
The Design Team is seeking a full-time or part-time Design and Visuals Intern to assist with digital content, graphic design, and data visualization. The selected candidate will support the design of FDD-branded materials across digital and print platforms. This includes creating graphics, developing data visualizations, designing UI/UX elements for digital products, and helping prepare multimedia content for online distribution. Previous knowledge and skills in Adobe Premiere, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, and Canva are preferred. Experience with data visualization tools and web design principles is highly valued. An interest in international affairs and national security is also a plus.
Eligibility
- Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
- Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: Digital Design, Marketing, Branding, International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
- Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
- Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week, remote or in-office.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Application Materials Required
- Resume/CV
- Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)
- Examples of your previous work in graphic design or social media
- Unofficial transcript copy
Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.