Communications and Research Internship @ Thomas B. Fordham Institute

This is not a position with Macalester College, rather it is a position at an outside organization. Career Exploration has posted it because it was not in Handshake and we wanted the Macalester community to be aware of this opportunity. This Handshake post was created by Macalester and applications will not be seen by the employer unless they are submitted outside of Handshake: submit their application here

The Thomas B. Fordham Institute is accepting applications for a Spring 2027 Communications and Research Internship. Applications are due by November 13, 2026.

The Thomas B. Fordham Institute is a leading education policy think tank dedicated to improving K–12 education in the United States. Interns write, edit, and produce commentary and social media content, and support our national research on a variety of topics pertaining to K–12 education policy.

Responsibilities

Communications and research interns contribute to a wide range of substantive projects and organizational initiatives, including:

1. Commentary and Communications

The Fordham Institute is devoted to reforming K–12 education, and one of the main ways in which we do this is through our ongoing commentary. Interns contribute to these efforts by:

• Authoring articles and blog posts for Fordham’s Flypaper blog
• Supporting production of the Education Gadfly newsletter and other content
• Contributing research for op-eds and other publications
• Assisting with The Education Gadfly Show, including episode preparation and other podcast production support
• Drafting social media content

2. Research and Policy Analysis

Interns support Fordham’s research team by assisting with national studies, policy briefs, and smaller research projects. Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting literature reviews and policy scans
• Collecting and analyzing data
• Editing and/or contributing to written reports
• Supporting research on topics such as academic standards and accountability, charter schools and school choice, AI and technology in education, advanced education, and more

Experience with quantitative analysis and/or research methods is a plus.

3. Events and Organizational Support

Interns also assist with Fordham’s webinars, events, and operations. Responsibilities may include:

• Providing general administrative support, including impact tracking and responding to inquiries
• Supporting quarterly in-office workdays as well as occasional board meetings, staff retreats, and external events

Qualifications

Competitive candidates will demonstrate:

• A strong interest in education policy and K–12 reform
• Excellent writing and analytical skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• The ability to work independently in a remote environment

Candidates should hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or have equivalent experience. Prior experience in research, education, and/or writing, editing, or managing social media is a plus.

Internship Details

• Duration: Six months (January–June 2027)
• Schedule: Full-time, primarily virtual, with occasional in-person meetings and events (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET)
• Compensation: $25 per hour

Interns may live anywhere in the U.S., but should be available to attend and help staff occasional in-person events and office days in Washington, D.C., during the internship period. Travel expenses will be covered by Fordham.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

1. A brief, one-page cover letter
2. A resume
3. A writing sample (under three pages) that is the applicant’s original work and not AI-generated

Applicants are encouraged to combine their materials into a single attachment and submit their application here.

Application deadline: November 13, 2026.