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Intern Think Tank Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

AEI

Fall Intern: Development

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

The Development intern will achieve a holistic understanding of the fundraising operations of a top-tier think tank and join a dynamic team with a unique and highly successful fundraising model. The ...

AEI

Fall Intern: Media Relations

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Overview Intern in the press office of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), a distinguished Washington, DC, think tank. Learn about strategic media communication, track our scholars' research ...

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How much do intern think tank jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for intern think tank in Washington, DC is $65,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,115.00 and $76,230.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an intern think tank?

Intern Think Tanks are organizations or programs that provide students or recent graduates with the opportunity to gain practical experience in policy research, analysis, and advocacy. Interns typically assist with research projects, attend briefings, draft reports, and support senior staff in a variety of policy areas. These internships are valuable for those interested in government, public policy, international relations, or related fields, as they offer exposure to real-world policy challenges and professional networking. Think tank internships can be paid or unpaid, and are often highly competitive.

What types of projects does an intern typically work on in a think tank setting?

Interns at think tanks often contribute to a variety of research-based projects, including policy analysis, literature reviews, data collection, and drafting reports or blog posts. Depending on the think tank's focus, you may assist with organizing events, supporting outreach efforts, or even helping with grant proposals. Collaboration with experienced researchers and policy analysts is common, providing excellent opportunities to gain mentorship and professional insights. This diverse workload allows interns to build valuable skills and expand their professional network within the policy research community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern at a think tank, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intern at a Think Tank, you typically need strong research abilities, analytical thinking, and academic qualifications in relevant fields such as political science, economics, or public policy. Familiarity with data analysis tools, statistical software (like SPSS or Stata), and experience with literature reviews are often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, intellectual curiosity, and adaptability help interns contribute effectively to collaborative projects. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality research, supporting policy recommendations, and succeeding in a fast-paced, intellectually rigorous environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Think Tank jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Think Tank jobs in Washington, DC are:

Intern Think Tank jobs near you
Infographic showing various Intern Think Tank job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,056 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Fall Intern: Development

American Enterprise Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Development Intern

The Development department at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is the organization's fundraising apparatus, attracting and managing financial support for all AEI initiatives and operations. AEI is supported by individuals, foundations, and corporations that share AEI's core values—free people, free markets, and American global leadership—and engage with the Institute through private and public events, publications, personal meetings, and more.

The Development intern will achieve a holistic understanding of the fundraising operations of a top-tier think tank and join a dynamic team with a unique and highly successful fundraising model. The intern will assist with researching prospective donors, executing donor outreach communications, and maintaining the capabilities of the team's database. The intern will also gain experience in data analysis and reporting for key team objectives. The intern is encouraged to network with colleagues within and beyond the department and participate in scholarly events at the Institute, in addition to attending intern-specific programming. Candidates who are able to participate in the program in-person for close to 40 hours per week are encouraged to apply.

AEI internships offer a unique opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates to gain experience in research, writing, business, and communications at one of the nation's leading think tanks.

Competitive candidates will generally have a GPA of 3.5 or higher from a top-ranking college or university. AEI's internship program runs for 12 weeks and all related programming will take place in-person in Washington, DC. The fall program dates are either Tuesday, September 8, to Friday, December 4, or Tuesday, September 15, to Friday, December 11.

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