[Hiring] Communications Intern @Institute for Higher Education Policy

Role Description

IHEP is seeking a communications intern to join our team for the fall term (October - December, 2026). The communications and government affairs team amplifies the impact of our research and policy work by creating strategic communications to reach key audiences. IHEP focuses on:

• Federal, state, and institutional policies related to racial and socioeconomic equity
• Postsecondary data and transparency
• College access, affordability, success, and value
• Projects that further the practical application of promising practices that drive postsecondary attainment for all students, particularly Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and underserved Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students and students from low-income backgrounds

We do this through strategic use of both online and offline mechanisms, including:

• Traditional press engagement
• Editorial content development
• Digital and multimedia
• Advocacy materials/efforts to reach specific audiences, including policymakers

In this role, interns are likely to participate in team and staff meetings, play a key role in developing and executing our communications strategies, and collaborate with researchers, policy analysts, and other staff to translate complex research findings into clear and compelling messages for diverse audiences.

Although IHEP is headquartered in Washington, D.C., we operate fully remotely on a day-to-day basis and welcome remote applicants for this position.

Qualifications

• Availability to work 20-25 hours per week October through December 2026
• A strong writer with excellent oral and written communications skills
• Ability to craft clear and concise messages for diverse audiences
• Interest in and/or familiarity with strategic communications, public policy, social media (LinkedIn and X), and/or public relations
• Experience writing outside of academia (e.g., blog posts, newsletters, for a school or local paper)
• Desire to work in an equity-minded, advocacy environment
• Interest in education policy and/or practice
• A critical thinker who is self-motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent organizational and follow-through skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Requirements

• Knowledge of communications platforms (e.g., Wordpress, Constant Contact, Canva, Google Analytics, Cision) - preferred but not required
• Experience or study in graphic design - preferred but not required

Benefits

• Sick and holiday pay
• Flexible work arrangements
• $100 technology stipend
• Salary is commensurate with experience; hourly pay range for our internship program is $20-24 per hour

How to Apply

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should apply through this site and provide:

• A cover letter
• A resume
• A list of at least three references (including at least one direct supervisor)

We will review applications on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline to apply by September 18, 2026.

The Institute for Higher Education Policy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages inclusion in all facets of the organization’s work. IHEP participates in E-Verify and confirms all employees are authorized to work in the United States through a Form I-9.