Applications have now closed for our 2026 Summer Internship Program.
American Compass’s mission is to restore an economic consensus that emphasizes the importance of family, community, and industry to the nation’s liberty and prosperity. Our research, commentary, and events foster debate about the future of American conservatism and development of a policy agenda that applies conservative principles to modern challenges.
Summer Internship Program Overview
This summer, we will host a small program in our Washington, D.C. office, offering the opportunity for fellows to work closely with our team across research and policy, coalition building, communications, and Commonplace. Fellows will be full participants in all facets of our work, gain skills and experience, and build lasting relationships. Additional programming will provide opportunities to learn more about substantive policy issues and career paths in the field, and to socialize with coworkers and interns at other institutions.
Positions are intended to be full-time and run for 10 weeks, from mid-June to mid-August, with a salary of $750 per week. Some flexibility exists to accommodate the scheduling constraints of individual fellows.
How to Apply
We are seeking intellectually curious, enthusiastic, self-motivated candidates who are committed to advancing the Compass mission. Applicants must have prior work experience or be a rising college senior or recent graduate, and be available to work in-person in Washington, D.C.
To apply, please send: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) writing sample of no more than 1,500 words to hiring@americancompass.org. Please specify your areas of interest (research and policy, coalition building, communications, or Commonplace) and note any limitations on your availability for the summer. Please combine all documents into one PDF labeled “Last Name, First Name”.
Application Timeline
- Accepting applications from February 6–February 23
- Invitations for interviews extended by February 27
- Job offers extended by March 20
- Program dates: June 9-August 14
Please note that we do not provide housing.
Questions? Email: hiring@americancompass.org.
What Will I Be Doing?
American Compass operates as a tight-knit team working closely together on our top priorities. Summer fellows will have opportunities to work on a range of projects, with assignments based both on the organization’s needs and individual interests. Illustrative examples of projects include:
Policy
- Develop questions for a public opinion survey, test and field the survey, analyze the resulting data, and help to prepare a published report on the findings
- Prepare a case study of how a policy innovation was implemented either within the United States or in another country and what outcomes were achieved
- Track the progress, and assess the strengths and weaknesses, of key legislative measures moving through Congress
Coalitions
- Develop materials that introduce the relevant portions of American Compass’s work and message to a broad range of audiences
- Identify key organizations and leaders in various factions of the American political landscape and develop plans for outreach and partnership
- Help plan and execute events to engage our large growing membership of conservative policymakers and thought leaders
Communications
- Draft public communications for newsletters, press releases, etc.
- Conduct research for podcast episodes and pitch ideas for essays/commentary
- Track American Compass’s mentions in the media
- Identify potential contributors, pitch article ideas, and develop promotion plans
- See articles through the full lifecycle: from draft to editing, content management, publication, distribution, and measurement
