Communications Intern

The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is seeking a creative, organized, personable individual interested in nonprofit communications and publishing work in education policy to join our team as a Communications Intern for Summer 2026, with preference for a candidate who could also serve through Fall 2026.

The communications intern will work closely with NASBE’s communications director to support NASBE’s media relations, dissemination and member outreach efforts, online presence, and social media strategy. They may also occasionally support NASBE’s editorial director in producing NASBE’s popular policy briefs and issues of the award-winning journal, the State Education Standard.

This position is a part-time, paid opportunity that requires a weekly commitment of at least 10 hours. The ideal candidate should have some experience in public relations, nonprofit communications, or social media; be a solid, persuasive writer; be detail-oriented; a good researcher; and have a strong interest in public education. The responsibilities of this position can be performed remotely, with a flexible schedule, but in-person working hours at NASBE’s office in Alexandria, VA (if desired) can be accommodated.

Responsibilities

Candidates will support NASBE’s overall communications strategy and day-to-day media and member relations. They will learn about and engage in the following tasks:

• Assist with NASBE publications releases by researching and developing targeted media lists; drafting pitches, press releases, e-blasts, and website copy; and identifying partnership opportunities.
• Assist with communications needs of special NASBE initiatives, including the High School Transformation State Network, Early Childhood State Network, Principal Collaborative Group, and upcoming work on , education technology, high-quality instructional materials, and school improvement.
• Develop social media messaging/toolkits, including graphics, and assisting with video editing.
• Update NASBE web properties, as needed, and strategize with team members on growth opportunities.
• Assist with preparing for conferences, including session planning and app development for the NASBE Annual Conference and other in-person convenings
• Monitor state board of education activity and track national and state education news, particularly as they relate to NASBE’s priority areas.
• Assist in updating NASBE member contact information and knowledge-share.
• Candidates with skills in editing and production may assist in proofing and production of NASBE publications.
• Assist with NASBE member services programming, including planning and leading webinars, partnerships, presentations, and targeted communications.
• Participate in team meetings and strategy sessions, thought partnership, and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Candidates with two or more years of college or grad students majoring in public policy, communications, journalism, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Prior work experience with a membership organization or in education advocacy is a plus.
• Excellent research and communications skills. Strong writer and storyteller.
• Strategic-minded, entrepreneurial, well-organized, and superior attention to detail.
• Great sense of humor and adaptable; ability to work independently and as a member of a small team.
• Self-starter who takes initiative on projects, publications, and in meetings.
• Demonstrated interest in public education and state education policymaking.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Experience with Cvent and other event/conference management platforms, as well as web, social, and communications tools such as WordPress and Drupal; Hootsuite; Mailchimp; Canva; and media monitoring tools including Meltwater, Cision, or Agility. Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and InDesign is a plus, as is video editing/production, design experience, or photo research/editing experience.
• Knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style or AP Style is a plus.

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and a design or multimedia sample (e.g., social media graphics, video clip, or other communications product), along with the contact information for three references to communications@nasbe.org with subject line “NASBE Communications Internship.” Please apply by  March 13, 2026.

NASBE is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

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