Strategic Initiatives / Communications Intern - Summer 2026

PRIMARY PURPOSE

CNA Corporation is hiring for an intern in the Strategic Initiatives / Communications team for Summer 2026. Are you passionate about making an impact on national security through meaningful work? CNA is proud to be recognized as one of the Top 100 National Internship Programs of 2025, and we're looking for talented individuals to join our paid Business Operations Internship Program.

This internship is located in Arlington, VA, near Washington, DC, and is part of Strategic Initiatives (SIN). SIN is a team dedicated to establishing CNA as an intellectual influencer across the national and homeland security landscape. CNA's Office of Communications within SIN manages CNA's internal and external communications efforts. The team is seeking an enthusiastic summer Intern to assist with supporting the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Senior Advisor for Strategic Development, and Communications Manager in alignment with select campaigns, event planning and execution, business development efforts, supporting the CNA.org website, writing, editing, and organizing communications content.

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem-solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND / OR DUTIES

1. Provide support to internal stakeholders in support of overall project goals, objectives, and deliverables.
2. Conduct research for assigned projects.
3. Assist in analyzing data gathered in support of a project.
4. Provide general communications support to the team.
5. Provide targeted logistical support as necessary (scheduling, note taking).
6. Provide excellent customer support.
7. Perform other general duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Must be in junior or final year of bachelor's degree at the start of the internship, or enrolled in a graduate program. English, journalism, communications, public policy, international relations, or similar majors preferred.
2. Experience: Undergraduate level coursework and experience preferred.
3. Skills:
   • Must have experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
   • Good interpersonal and excellent oral and written communication skills
   • Critical thinking and organizational skills.
     
   • Event planning and execution is preferred
   • Business development is preferred
   • High degree of professionalism
4. Hybrid Work Eligibility: This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangements at the discretion of the Supervisor. Employees may be required to work at CNA headquarters or other work locations resulting in changes to the scheduled hybrid work arrangements.
5. U.S. citizenship is required for this position.

DOCUMENTS

In your application, please include:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Transcript (unofficial or official)
• In a later stage of the hiring process, we may require a writing sample or ask for a brief sample.