Internal Communications Intern (Summer 2026)

Third Way is a national think tank and advocacy organization that champions moderate policy and political ideas. Since our founding in 2005, we have served as a critical bulwark against political extremism by advancing values-driven, reform-oriented solutions on the defining issues of our time. Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, security, and democratic capitalism, and we advocate for the vital center across seven major areas: climate and energy, economy, education, health care, national security, politics, and social policy.

Third Way's Learning and Organizational Development (LOD) team is looking for a highly organized and proactive Internal Communications Intern. This position is ideal for someone interested in organizational communications, internal strategy, and workplace culture. You will help streamline communications across the Business Operations teams—including HR, IT, Office Operations, and LOD itself—so that staff and leadership stay well-informed and supported.

Learning & Organizational Development's impact includes:

• Third Way University: Our in-house professional development program, which meets staff needs at all levels of skills building;

• All-Staff Retreat: A two-day gathering hosted offsite for staff to connect with each other, learn about the programs, and understand Third Way’s goals and mission;

• Third Way Buddy Program: An onboarding process that connects new hires with existing Third Way staff to provide additional support throughout their 90-day introductory period;

• Nancy Hale Fellowship Program & Adam Solomon Internship Program: Two channels through which we bring new staff into our organization to experience our work and build connections with our staff and Third Way’s overall mission;

• Special Projects and Strategy Design: Individualized coaching and facilitation projects with internal (Third Way programs, leadership, etc.) and external (conference programming, meeting design, etc.) customers.

As the Internal Communications & Operations Intern, a typical day might include…

• Maintaining the scheduled Business Operations (Learning and Organizational Development, IT, Human Resources, Office Operations, etc.) communications to staff and leadership;

• Developing a communications strategy that meets the needs of the operations team in effectively reporting organizational updates;

• Working closely with the team to highlight areas where you can streamline Business Operations’ communications to staff;

• Editing and uploading email copy to Mailchimp;

• Posting on Microsoft Teams;

• Spending time connecting with staff to understand where LOD can provide individualized or group support in their development.

Internship Daily Operations:

• Weekly check-ins with supervisor;

• Tracking communications and engagement analytics;

• Shadowing various members of the Business Operations team to better understand internal workflows;

• Assisting in the coordination of department-wide or staff-facing communications and initiatives.

Internship Meetings and Events:

• Attend regular LOD team meetings;

• Join Business Operations all-team meetings;

• Participate in intern cohort programming and events;

• Attend (and support when needed) Third Way all-staff offerings, including Lunch & Learns, Third Way University (TWU) Courses, and All-Staff Meetings.

Internship Short-Term Projects:

• Internal Comms Audit & Assessment

  • Review current LOD and Business Operations communication methods;

  • Collect staff feedback on the clarity and effectiveness of current updates and messages;

  • Identify gaps and propose improvements for more streamlined internal messaging.

Internship Long-Term Projects:

• LOD/BizOps Communications Protocol Overhaul:

  • Phase 1 – Discovery (complete): Analyze current methods used to communicate with the team. Meet with members of the team to gather current strategies utilized in communication. Ask for considerations from across the team while formulating a new strategy

  • Phase 2 – Design (complete): Based on the initial assessment, design a new communications protocol that includes updated scheduling practices and RSVP management strategies. This phase involves drafting plans, selecting software tools (considering integration with existing systems), and defining new workflows.

  • Phase 3 – Implementation (complete) Test new communications protocol for LOD and bring revitalized strategy to the team. Focus on staff invitations, updates, reminders, and surveys.

  • Phase 4 - Training and Documentation (Summer 2026 internship begins here): Develop comprehensive guidelines for BizOps staff to adapt to the new protocols. Ensure everyone is comfortable and proficient with the new systems and processes.

  • Phase 5 - Evaluation and Adjustment: Monitor the effectiveness of the new protocols and adjust based on feedback from staff and analysis of engagement metrics. This iterative process ensures that the new system effectively meets the organization's and its staff's needs.

*Please note all duties and events will require in-office participation. All Third Way staff are required to be vaccinated. This is a part-time, PAID INTERNSHIP. *