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National Journal & WPCF Editorial Intern

National Journal is hiring an editorial intern.

National Journal has an immediate opening for an intern on the editorial team, one of its flagship editorial products. For more than 30 years, Hotline Wake-Up Call, Hotline Latest Edition, and National Journal Daily have been the key political tipsheets for officeholders, campaign professionals, pollsters, political parties, and political scholars. This individual will report to National Journal Daily’s managing editor. Interns will work 40 hours a week.

This internship program operates as a grant initiative in partnership with the Washington Press Club Foundation (WPCF) and National Journal. Established to champion diversity and excellence in journalism, the Foundation collaborates closely with National Journal to offer enriching opportunities tailored to individuals who demonstrate outstanding journalistic potential, with a particular emphasis on empowering women and minorities within the field.

Through the sponsorship of this grant, the WPCF emphasizes its commitment to advancing education and fostering the pursuit of journalistic excellence among underrepresented groups, thereby contributing to the broader enhancement of the journalistic landscape.

National Journal is a premier research and insights company committed to helping organizations effectively navigate Washington. Best known as one of Washington’s most trusted media brands for nearly 50 years, our expertise is unmatched with teams of specialists dedicated to government affairs, communications, and political research, in addition to exceptional journalism. Our mission is to equip the thousands of government and business leaders in the nation’s capital with the intelligence, insights, and connections they need to save time, increase efficiency, and deliver success.

What is National Journal’s Editorial?

National Journal Daily is the premier campaign resource for more than 30 years. Read by the most powerful and informed figures in Washington, our daily newsletter covers the latest news from Capitol Hill and campaigns all along the ballot from across the country.

Your responsibilities will include:

Searching and curating the morning’s political news via Google, Lexis/Nexis, social media, and dozens of newspapers and other sources
Contribute to reporting on Capitol Hill
Writing short pieces of news and analysis
Helping to update our databases
Collaborate with staff correspondents and editors on larger feature stories
Assisting on larger data projects like our Poll Tracker and quarterly FEC donor reports

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate:

A passion for journalism and a commitment to independent, nonpartisan reporting and writing
Working knowledge of American politics and a hunger to learn more
Thorough attention to detail and ability to file on tight deadlines
The ability to multitask with little to no supervision
A strong work ethic and motivation to succeed
Quick and accurate writing skills
Creative thinking and resourcefulness in problem-solving
Prodigious work ethic and spirit of generosity
Intern must be a current student and enrolled in a journalism or related studies graduate or undergraduate program and pursuing a career as a journalist.

WPCF Selection Process:

The selection process entails candidates demonstrating and substantiating the following:

Enrollment and good standing at a college/university as of April 1, 2026, supported by documentation.
Exceptional academic performance at their respective college/university, verified through transcripts.
Financial need, validated by evidence of financial assistance received from their college/university, such as a recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.
Demonstrated potential for excellence in a journalism career, evidenced by recommendation letters from individuals familiar with the candidate's academic and/or journalism endeavors.
A strong dedication to the field of journalism conveyed through an autobiographical essay.

Application Deadline: April 17, 2026

Required Application Materials: Cover letter, resume, writing sample, official university/college enrollment letter, transcripts, financial need statement or FAFSA form.

Employment Type: Internship (Full time)

Term: May-August 2026 (10 weeks)

Compensation: The intern will be paid $20/hour

Location: This job is based in Washington, DC. National Journal operates on a hybrid schedule, with employees required to be in the office every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

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About Us

Across National Journal Group, generally, the firm looks for two “pillar gifts” in you, and everyone else. In all of us, these are more aspirational than actual, but they are central in our intentions –

Force of Ideas: At the center of National Journal Group work are the ideas within our writing. We believe that ideas – to the good and not – have consequences. Our highest work is bringing rigor, insight, intellectual honesty, to that ultimate purpose of separating the bad from the good, and giving voice to the latter.

Spirit of Generosity: National Journal Group seeks in its ranks a spirit of generosity – a natural disposition in each colleague toward service and selfless conduct. National Journal Group writing should be cut from the same cloth –critical on the merits but informed by charity and forbearance in measuring motive and personal character.

National Journal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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