Leadership Development Intern Jobs in Washington

If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today.
Posting Period:
August 18, 2026 - Until Filled
Employee Type:
OO109 Office of Operations & Risk Management (ORM), SHORTTERM Short-term Temps
Position Type:
Intern (Fixed Term)
Position Details:
NEA is accepting applications for individuals interested in participating as an Employee Development and Engagement Intern in the Human Resources Department for the Fall 2026 session, which will begin on or after September 14, 2026, and end on December 14, 2026. The internships range from six weeks to a full semester. Interns will receive a stipend of $20 per hour and may intern up to a maximum of twenty (20) hours a week. This internship is based at NEA Headquarters in Washington, DC.
This position supports NEA's strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by participating in internship opportunities and assignments with the Employee Development and Engagement Team, Human Resources Department, Office of Operations and Risk Management, and various Centers and departments in the National Education Association. The NEA Internship Program provides interns with training, learning opportunities, educational activities, and exposure to a variety of rich and substantive programmatic experiences that support quality public education. These experiences may include conducting research; data analysis; writing, editing, using Internet applications and social media; participating in and assisting with partnership events, meetings, and policy forums; visits to Capitol Hill; and other appropriate program-related activities.
The NEA partners with institutions of higher education, intern programs, and other organizations to identify interns - generally juniors, seniors, recent college graduates (up to 18 months), or graduate students - who are interested in public education policy and education issues. Students pursuing degrees in Education, Political Science, Government, Human Resources, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Business, Finance, Economics, Management, Sociology, Communications, Computer Science, Journalism, Mass Media, Graphic Design, Digital Communications, and other disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Proposed Intern Activities: NEA interns will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with NEA staff and participate in a variety of meaningful learning experiences, projects, and opportunities during the internship. In addition to participating in assigned Center/department activities, based on their skills and interests, interns will also have opportunities to participate in relevant NEA-sponsored and/or approved group activities that may occur at NEA or in the Washington Metropolitan area. The group activities may include participation in interviews with the NEA President and Executive Director, and organizational leadership and staff, observing NEA events such as Representative Assembly events, Board meetings or cross Center/department events, and participating in policy forums, organizing or lobbying activities or organized partner or Intern events in the Washington DC Metropolitan area, such as Washington DC Intern Week.
Specific development and engagement opportunities include:

• Development of training for staff
• Marketing in-house professional development through Percipio LMS
• Picture Perfect: a quarterly newsletter featuring employee work activities that comes out of the Employee Development and Engagement Team.
• Development of job aids and instructional design for newly developed training and focus group development.

The intern will also focus on general data analytics for staff development, employee development, and engagement.
Additionally, interns will learn about the NEA, its role in public education, issues affecting NEA members at the national, state, and local level, and advocacy strategies to support members and the students they serve. In addition to obtaining experience in their area of interest, interns may develop skills in collaboration, communication, writing, instructional design, research, newsletter development, analysis, preparing reports, interviewing, strategic planning, focus group planning, and training.
TO APPLY:
Please upload and submit the following documents with your application in Workday :
1) Resume
2) Cover letter - indicating preferred department or area(s) of interest
3) Letter of recommendation
4) Writing sample
Individuals selected for an interview will be contacted by the Center or department and additional samples may be required at the time of the interview.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided: The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.
NEA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO APPLY.
NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here E-Verify Participation & Right to Work.
NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.