Job Summary: 

The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) strengthens transatlantic cooperation on regional, national, and global challenges and opportunities in the spirit of the Marshall Plan. 

GMF does this by supporting individuals and institutions working in the transatlantic sphere, by convening leaders and members of the policy and business communities, by contributing research and analysis on transatlantic topics, and by providing exchange opportunities to foster renewed commitment to the transatlantic relationship. 

GMF does this by supporting individuals and institutions working in the transatlantic sphere, by convening leaders and members of the policy and business communities, by contributing research and analysis on transatlantic topics, and by providing exchange opportunities to foster renewed commitment to the transatlantic relationship. 

In addition, GMF supports a number of initiatives to strengthen democracies. Founded in 1972 as a non-partisan, non-profit organization through a gift from Germany as a permanent memorial to Marshall Plan assistance, GMF maintains a strong presence on both sides of the Atlantic. In addition to its headquarters in Washington, D.C., GMF has offices in Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Warsaw, Belgrade, Bucharest, and Ankara, and representations in London and Madrid. 

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We are seeking a highly motivated research intern to support the work of the President and the Executive Office. As part of a high-performing, mission-driven team, the Research Intern to the President will gain hands-on experience contributing to the organization’s policy analysis, thought leadership, and external engagement priorities. 

The intern’s primary responsibility will be to conduct substantive research in support of the President’s work. This includes preparing background briefs, issue memos, talking points, and draft materials on a range of international policy topics, as well as tracking relevant policy developments and synthesizing information for senior-level audiences. The role is designed to help the intern build strong research, analytical, and writing skills in a fast-paced policy environment. 

In addition to research, the intern will gain exposure to the day-to-day operations of the Executive Office by assisting with select coordination and logistical tasks related to the President’s schedule and engagements. These responsibilities are limited in scope and are intended to complement the intern’s substantive work by ensuring briefing materials are accurate, timely, and aligned with the President’s priorities. 

The ideal candidate must be a current student or recent graduate with strong research and analytical abilities, excellent writing and editing skills, and a demonstrated interest in international affairs, public policy, or a related field. The intern should be intellectually curious, highly organized, and capable of managing multiple assignments under tight deadlines. Professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail are essential, as the role involves exposure to sensitive information. 

The intern will work closely with the Executive Assistant and members of the Executive Office, while also interacting regularly with senior staff across the organization. This structure provides mentorship, feedback, and meaningful insight into how senior leadership operates within an international policy institution. 

Based in GMF’s Washington, D.C. office, the Research Intern to the President will also support Executive Team meetings through research and briefing preparation, and may assist with policy-related events and external engagements as needed. 

This internship offers a unique learning opportunity to gain direct exposure to senior leadership, strengthen advanced research and writing skills, and engage with Washington’s foreign policy community through meetings, briefings, and events—making it an ideal role for candidates seeking careers in international affairs, public policy, or related fields. 

Key Areas of Responsibility: 

• Providing extensive policy and meeting research support to President and Executive Assistant. 
• Assist Executive Assistant with Executive Office support. This includes, but is not limited to: scheduling, communicating with high-level visitors with the utmost professionalism, and preparing briefing materials, etc.  
• Completing administrative and logistical duties as assigned. 
• Assisting GMF staff with events. 

Qualifications and Requirements: 

• Proficiency in English and in French is strongly desirable.  
• Must be based in Washington, DC  
• Extensive knowledge of European affairs, transatlantic relations, foreign and security policy issues. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) is essential. 
• Strong attention to detail and multi-tasking skills; and must be creative, organized, committed and responsible.    
• Ability to take initiative and be a self-starter. 
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment. 

Start and Length of Internship: 

• Preferred Start date: May 11, 2026 
• Length of internship: 3 – 4 months (negotiable) 
• Rate of pay: $17.95/hr 

Application Process: 

To be considered for this position, please submit your cover letter and current resume. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only contact candidates of interest. 

GMF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

We highly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.? Historically, underrepresented groups include (but are not limited to) Black, Latinx/o/a/e, Indigenous, Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, biracial, multiracial, female-identifying, the disability community, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized identities.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At GMF we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role, but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply.? You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles at GMF.?

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiry to hr@gmfus.org