Internships

The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation is pleased to offer internships for enterprising young professionals looking to gain experience at the nation’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring communism’s victims and alerting the world – through its many programs and public action initiatives – to the evils of communism. In addition to departmental assignments, all VOC interns have opportunities to meet with top policymakers, government officials, lawmakers, anti-communist dissidents, and defectors.

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2025.

Internship applicants may apply for full-time or part-time internships. The Spring 2025 internship program runs from January 14, 2025 through April 30, 2025. All internships are unpaid.

VOC will be offering a wide variety of positions this Spring in the fields of communications and digital media, academic programs and research, development and fundraising, events planning, and government relations.

Unlike many other organizations in Washington, interns are expected to handle tasks that have a direct impact on VOC and our mission. Interns will be assigned to support senior staff in a variety of ways, including coordinating with Members of Congress and their staff, universities, and renowned historians, and supporting our efforts to deliver resources to teachers across the country. Interns will also play a role in our annual National Seminar for Middle and High School Educators, a 24-hour professional development program that is free to middle and high school educators interested in teaching about the history of communism, its victims, and its legacy. Other major summer events include our Tiananmen Square Massacre Candlelight Vigil, Roll Call of Nations Wreath Laying Ceremony, and Captive Nations Week Summit.

VOC’s small size means that interns will be integrated into our team and will contribute starting day one. They will also have invaluable opportunities once the internship concludes. What sets our internships apart is that interns will be working with projects that truly make an impact in our fight against tyranny. After the completion of the program, interns will join our alumni network and will have access to unparalleled networking opportunities and a weighty letter of recommendation written by director level staff. In addition, many of our past full-time employees completed our internship program before they were hired, meaning our program can be thought of as an audition for a full-time role with VOC.

Academic Programs Internship

We seek an Academic Programs intern to assist our Director of Academic Program’s mission to educate the public on the deadly history, ideology, and legacy of communism. The intern will provide logistical support for VOC events, assist with the logistics of academic webinars, assist in the drafting, editing and publication of VOC’s curriculum which will be distributed to middle and high school educators across the country, and will play a role in our annual National Seminar for Middle and High School Educators, a 24-hour professional development program that is free to middle and high school educators interested in teaching about the history of communism, its victims, and its legacy.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will communicate well, enjoy meeting people, understand VOC’s mission and work, be able to represent VOC publicly, possess a strong desire to help in educating people about the history of communism and the real ongoing dangers of collectivism. Strong writing skills are a must for this position, and fluency or reading proficiency in a foreign language is a plus. This internship is based in Washington, D.C.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, (1) letter of recommendation, (2) references (including name, relationship, phone number, and email), and (2) writing samples (400-700 words and 2500-4000 words) to brennan.rose@victimsofcommunism.org with the title “Academic Programs Internship.” Please note if you are applying for a full-time or part-time commitment. 

Communications Internship

We seek a Communications intern to work with our communications team to promote VOC’s work to the public and assist in the production of our Witness Project documentary series. The intern will assist with press releases, media dispatches, and public relations activities at the discretion of the Communications Manager. Responsibilities will also include monitoring all forms of social media, compiling our internal news source and press contact lists, designing creative content, assisting with print productions, creating talking points, and other duties as assigned. VOC maintains close relations with many world-renowned news outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, and CNN.

Qualifications

The preferred applicant has a working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop and is a college senior or junior working toward a college degree in a related field. Applicants must have a strong knowledge of all social media platforms, excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly synthesize complex information for public distribution. A special interest in journalism or marketing communications is a plus. This internship is based in Washington, D.C.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, (1) letter of recommendation, (2) references (including name, relationship, phone number, and email), and (2) writing samples (between 400 and 700 words) to brennan.rose@victimsofcommunism.org with the subject title “Communications Internship.” Please note if you are applying for a full-time or part-time commitment. 

Development Internship

We seek a Development intern to help grow our fundraising program and to show our many generous donors how their financial investment advances our mission. The Development Intern will learn the rudiments of nonprofit fundraising by assisting with donor communications, fundraising appeals, event planning and execution, and special projects. Daily tasks include the opportunity to speak with and thank donors for their support, drafting donor correspondence, completing donor research, and attending D.C.-area events.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will communicate well, be able to represent VOC publicly with knowledge and enthusiasm for VOC’s work in expanding its broad-based fundraising support, and possess a commitment to educating people about the history of communism and dangers of collectivism. Nonprofit fundraising or sales experience is a plus. This internship is based in Washington, D.C.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, (1) letter of recommendation, (2) references (including name, relationship, phone number, and email), and (2) writing samples (between 400 and 700 words) to brennan.rose@victimsofcommunism.org with the subject title “Development Internship.” Please note if you are applying for a full-time or part-time commitment. 

Events and Museum Internship

We seek an Events and Museum Intern to assist our Event and Museum Operations team with event planning, coordination, and logistical support for all VOC events and VOC Museum operation. The intern will play a role in planning several of VOC’s signature events, including The China Forum, Polish Studies Conference, and all events at the VOC Museum as well as its daily administration and logistics.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will communicate well, have good interpersonal skills particularly in coordinating with event professionals, be able to represent VOC well publicly, and possess a commitment to educating people about the history of communism and dangers of collectivism. Strong writing skills are a must for this position, and fluency or reading proficiency in a foreign language is a plus. This internship is based in Washington, D.C. 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, (1) letter of recommendation, (2) references (including name, relationship, phone number, and email), and (2) writing samples (between 400 and 700 words) to brennan.rose@victimsofcommunism.org with the title “Events and Museum Internship.” Please note if you are applying for a full-time or part-time commitment. 

Government Relations Internship

We seek a Government Relations intern to assist with our government and diplomatic relations. The Government Relations intern will attend congressional hearings, draft memos, prepare member profiles, monitor bills, and help coordinate events, briefings, and meetings. The interns will cultivate relationships with congressional staff and demonstrate proficiency in summarizing legislative content. Regular tasks will include writing daily reports on legislative and public policy activities on Capitol Hill, the White House, and the State Department for the GR team. The interns will also be responsible for writing and publishing blog posts, and attending D.C.-area events

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will communicate well, be comfortable and able to represent VOC publicly, and be knowledgeable on VOC’s activities and events in educating people about the history of communism and dangers of collectivism. The ideal candidate will have a background in public policy, political science, or government affairs. Fluency in a foreign language is a plus. This internship is based in Washington, D.C.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, (1) letter of recommendation, (2) references (including name, relationship, phone number, and email), and (2) writing samples (between 400 and 700 words) to brennan.rose@victimsofcommunism.org with the subject title “Government Relations Internship.” Please note if you are applying for a full-time or part-time commitment. 

Latin America Studies Internship

VOC’s Latin America Studies and Programs Center promotes individual freedom, respect for human rights, and democracy throughout Latin America, but especially Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Our researchers document human rights abuses, support in-region civil society and pro-democracy groups, and educate the American public and U.S. policy makers about the realities on the ground. VOC works in Latin America to support human rights defenders and civil society organizations in their fight for freedom and against communism. VOC works with local partners to support their efforts, providing technical assistance and targeted support to civic initiatives. VOC directly implements activities and supports partners’ work to promote democracy, human rights, free markets, and the rule of law. VOC also implements regional efforts that provide opportunities for activists to learn from each other in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, apply lessons learned and to develop new approaches based on common challenges imposed by similar communist regimes.

Responsibilities

• Monitor media coverage and social media activity on human rights and anticommunist activism in the region in Spanish. 
• Conduct research for assessments, advocacy efforts, partner outreach on assigned topics or countries
• ​Assist local partner organizations with Spanish and English content and editing tasks 
• Contribute to specific project activities, such as online events, small grant competitions, policy brief production, or others

Qualifications

• Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student with a specialization in political science, Latin America, or a related field.
• Strong interest in Latin America’s captive nations (Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua) or nations under communist threat such as Perú or Bolivia. 
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and meet all goals and deadlines.

This internship is based in Washington, D.C.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, (1) letter of recommendation, (2) references (including name, relationship, phone number, and email), and (2) writing samples (between 400 and 700 words) to brennan.rose@victimsofcommunism.org with the subject title “Latin America Programs Internship.” Please note if you are applying for a full-time or part-time commitment. 

Public Affairs Internship

THIS INTERNSHIP IS BASED IN ST. LOUIS, MO

We seek a Public Affairs intern to work with the public affairs team to educate the public on the history, ideology, and legacy of communism. The intern will assist the Director of Public Affairs and the Victims of Communism – St. Louis Commission (VOC-STL) Director in supporting VOC-STL in their local educational and advocacy efforts. Responsibilities will include monitoring all forms of social media, compiling our internal local news source and press contact lists, creating talking points, event planning, coordination, and logistical support for VOC-STL events, and other office duties as assigned. Interns also have several opportunities to meet with policymakers, dissidents, and human rights activists.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess good interpersonal skills and communicate well, be able to represent VOC publicly, and be committed to educating people about the history of communism and the dangers of collectivism. Applicants must have a strong knowledge of all social media platforms, excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines and quickly synthesize complex information for public distribution. This internship is based in St. Louis, MO.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and (2) writing samples (between 400 and 700 words) to stl@victimsofcommunism.org with the subject title “Public Affairs Internship.”

Research Internship

We seek a Research intern who will conduct in-depth research on topics related to the history and deadly world-wide legacy of communism, collect data, and draft reports and blog posts. The intern will also be responsible for summarizing news and analysis on current events, aid in preparing information sheets and descriptive briefings for staff, write and publish blog posts, report on events at DC-metro based think tanks and universities. Interns also have several opportunities to meet with policymakers, dissidents, and human rights activists.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will communicate well, be able to represent VOC publicly with enthusiasm and confidence, and possess a commitment to educating people about the history of communism and dangers of collectivism. Strong writing skills are a must for this position, and fluency or reading proficiency in a foreign language is a plus. This internship is based in Washington, D.C.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, (1) letter of recommendation, (2) references (including name, relationship, phone number, and email), and (2) writing samples (400-700 words and 2500-4000 words) to brennan.rose@victimsofcommunism.org with the title “Research Internship.” Please note if you are applying for a full-time or part-time commitment. 

Digital Media Internship

We seek a Digital Media intern to assist in producing, filming, editing, and promoting VOC’s video projects to the public, such as VOC’s award-winning Witness Project short video series which features courageous men and women who experienced life under communism. The interns will assist the Communications Team throughout the video project creation cycle at the discretion of the Digital Media Manager. Responsibilities will also include assisting in research, outreach to video participants, scheduling, project documentation and tracking, and other office duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The preferred applicant has a working knowledge of camera operation, sound recording, lighting, set design, as well as experience with Adobe Premiere Pro and is a college senior or junior working toward a college degree in a related field. Applicants must be creative, have a strong knowledge of social media, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a keen interest and facility in in telling stories. This internship is based in Washington, D.C.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, (1) letter of recommendation, (2) references (including name, relationship, phone number, and email), and (1) writing sample (between 400 and 700 words) along with an example of filming or editing experience to brennan.rose@victimsofcommunism.org with the subject title “Digital Media Internship.” Please note if you are applying for a full-time or part-time commitment.