Operational Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Location:  Arlington, VA (Hybrid)

Full-time internship (40 hours per week) with an anticipated duration from mid-September through mid-December 2026. Compensation is $17 per hour.

About the Internship:

The Production intern will provide production support by helping maintain podcast production schedules and media studio operations across several Mercatus Center shows. Working closely with the production team, the intern will contribute throughout the podcast production lifecycle—from recording and editing to quality assurance and short-form content creation—to help ensure episodes are delivered on schedule.

Depending on production needs, the intern may support podcasts including Ideas of India, Conversations with Tyler, The Street Porter and the Philosopher, Macro Musings, and the Marginal Revolution Podcast, as well as media studio operations and other special recording projects.

This role is designed to provide hands-on experience in podcast production while supporting recurring production needs across multiple shows.

The intern will support all aspects of podcast production, including recording, editing, quality assurance, content creation, and studio operations.

Specific Duties:

• Assist with virtual and in-studio podcast recordings.
• Edit full-length podcast videos and prepare final deliverables for review.
• Create short-form social media clips and graphics using established templates.
• Conduct quality assurance on video and audio edits before publication.
• Organize production assets and coordinate project files.
• Assist with media studio operations and virtual recording support.
• Coordinate with producers and freelance editors to help maintain production schedules.
• Provide photography support for internal events as needed.

Typical Weekly Workflow -- A typical week may include:

• Assisting with one or more podcast recordings.
• Editing full-length podcast videos.
• Creating social media clips from recent episodes.
• Reviewing edits for quality assurance.
• Organizing production assets and coordinating with producers and freelancers.
• Supporting media studio operations and other production needs.

Qualifications:

• College student or recent college graduate.
• Experience with video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Descript, Final Cut Pro, or similar) and familiarity with audio editing tools (Adobe Audition, Riverside, or similar), or a demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new production tools.
• Familiarity with podcast or digital media production.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while taking direction and incorporating feedback.
• Interest in digital media, journalism, economics, or public policy is a plus.
• Genuine interest in classical liberal ideas, free-market research, and the institutions that allow people and communities to thrive.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume.  Your cover letter should indicate your interest in the Mercatus Center’s mission.

About the Mercatus Center

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is where top classical liberal scholars solve real-world challenges. Grounded in the tradition of market-oriented thinking and classical liberal ideas, we equip high-agency talent to apply bold ideas that shape institutions, inform policy, and help people flourish.

EEO Statement

The Mercatus Center is an equal employment opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

E-Verify

The Mercatus Center participates in E-Verify. Upon hire, Mercatus will provide the U.S. Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.