Intern - Membership Groups and Special Events (Spring/Summer 2026)

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington, DC, United States

Duration: Full Time

JOB SUMMARY:

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is looking for a dedicated intern to join their Membership Groups (MG) and Special Events department. The position involves helping to organize high-level CSIS policy events and assisting with rental events for external clients. This internship is a great opportunity to develop strong administrative skills and contribute to the operations of a think tank on the cutting edge of the national security and foreign policy field. The small size and fast pace of the MG department allows interns to take on multiple responsibilities and gain practical experience in an international think tank. We are looking for a candidate who can commit to 30-35 hours of work a week on-site, with the ability to work flexible hours as necessary (including some evening, early morning and weekend events).

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.00/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.00/hour for hires with a bachelor's degree, and $20.00/hour for hires with a master's degree).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

I. Providing day-to-day administrative support for the Membership Groups Office
II. Preparing for high-level membership meetings and events including programming,
material preparation, and day-of staffing assistance
III. Supporting external and internal CSIS events with both preparation and on-site
assistance
IV. Conducting research and supporting various special projects
V. Other administrative duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

Recent graduate or rising senior/graduate student pursuing a career in international affairs, political science, public affairs, event planning, or communications

Some event planning, public affairs, or office operations experience is strongly preferred

Experience conducting research, updating databases, working with sensitive information, and interacting in a professional manner with high-level individuals

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Excellent time management skills

Ability to manage competing priorities and operate in a fast-paced environment

Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Strong writing, editing, computer, and interpersonal skills

Willingness to engage in and learn new tasks

Must be able to be on-site in Washington, DC

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Performances of duties require the use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The job frequently
requires ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision
abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and
ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants please submit your resume and cover letter at https://careers.csis.org/.
For more information on the CSIS Membership Groups, please visit:
https://www.csis.org/about/membership-groups-and-special-event