2026 Fall Internship

The World Affairs Council is celebrating  75 years of advancing global understanding and engagement throughout greater Seattle. We envision a community that is connected, actively engaged, and inspired to create change in the world. The Council has long dedicated itself to fostering dialogue and debate about critical global issues. This is achieved through public events, Global Classroom programming for K-12 educators and students, and diplomacy initiatives that engage international delegations with our community. Our platform connects civic, academic, corporate, and individual members around world issues. We are part of a vibrant global city; our goal is to ensure that Seattle is visible, engaged, and globally aware.

Volunteer interns are a critical part of the World Affairs Council and will contribute to its mission while gaining hands-on work experience. The Council is seeking committed and goal-oriented volunteer interns to work in programming, development, and communications. Interns will each be assigned to one program or department and will have the opportunity to complete projects that may be used in a work portfolio or for academic credit.

General information:

• This announcement is for interns with start dates in late August and early Septemebr 2026.


• All positions are open until filled. Early applicants will be given priority, though applicants may not be contacted until later in the season.


• This is an unpaid internship.

Requirements:

• A minimum three month (twelve week) commitment of 12-20 hours each week on a regular schedule. Applications for six or nine month commitments are strongly preferred.


• Demonstrated interest in international relations.


• Fluent written and conversational English.


• Practical experience with Microsoft Office.


• Excellent time management, organization, and attention to detail.


• No education requirement - the World Affairs Council does not require applicants to be current students. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and education levels.

Interns will be placed on one of the following teams:

Global Leadership Exchange: Research, Writing & Program Planning

The Global Leadership Exchange (GLX) team coordinates professional programs for State Department-sponsored international delegates visiting the Puget Sound region. Interns support the GLX team by researching, writing, and editing proposals and itineraries for upcoming projects. Benefits include joining international visitors to virtual meetings with local professionals, networking, learning about organizations across all fields in the greater Seattle area, experience in the nonprofit sector, and developing professional skills in international education and exchange.

Tasks include:

• Accompanying international visitors to meetings with local professional resources.


• Researching local resources and drafting proposals for upcoming programs.


• Compiling and editing virtual visitor itineraries.


• Preparing and assembling digital welcome packets and programs.


• Producing marketing and communication materials.


• Writing and uploading reports about meetings with international visitors.


• Maintaining the GLX database using Salesforce.


• Supporting the World Affairs Council with daily operations.


• Contributing to the World Affairs Council blog.

Community Events: Event Logistics & Marketing

Community Events interns assist in coordinating all aspects of World Affairs Council events. Interns support the community events team in researching and planning stages, as well as day-of logistics for all World Affairs Council public events, both in-person and virtual.  Events include panel discussions, town-hall meetings, discussion groups, and networking receptions.

Tasks include:

• Coordinating event logistics: developing outreach strategies, booking venues (for in-person events), and overseeing details of event production, event registration, and speaker correspondence.


• Researching and proposing ideas for new programs.


• Attending virtual Council events and facilitating event implementation.


• Promoting and publicizing World Affairs Council programs: researching new marketing techniques and helping with the placement of advertisements and collaboration with local organizations.

Global Classroom: Outreach to K-12 teachers and students

Global Classroom connects teachers and students with international resources, ideas, and people. Intern responsibilities may include: drafting bi-weekly newsletters; performing extensive research to prepare curriculum guides on various global topics; assisting at professional development programs; and much more. Interns will learn about the nonprofit world, education for global citizenship, K-12 professional development, and outreach strategies.

Tasks include:

• Researching curriculum and resources to supplement professional development programs for educators.


• Attending Global Classroom programs to assist with registration and other logistical event tasks.


• Drafting biweekly e-mail newsletters for teachers and students.


• Using e-mail, phone, Twitter, and Facebook for outreach about Global Classroom events, programs, and initiatives.


• Assisting with logistics for the World Citizen Essay Contest and World Educator Award.


• Contributing to the World Affairs Council blog.


• Preparing promotional materials such as flyers and posters for upcoming GC programs.


• Maintaining Global Classroom contacts in the Salesforce database.


• Posting and updating Global Classroom events and teacher resources on the World Affairs Council website.

Community Engagement and Communications: Donor and member relations; Marketing, Branding, Graphic Design, Social Media, Photography, Copywriting and Editing, Internal and External Communications

Development and communications interns support and learn about donor and community engagement tactics with the World Affairs Council, a membership organization dedicated to educating and involving the community in global issues. Interns will be part of creating an excellent customer experience for donors and members of the Council and will learn about marketing design, messaging, social media, outreach strategies, and professional communications.

Tasks include:

• Drafting and editing copy for publication on the website, social media, and event materials.


• Working with staff to keep track of and post to social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.


• Executing web projects such as contributing to the World Affairs Council blog, posting content on our website, and drafting email newsletters.


• Maintaining donor records and creating and running reports in the Salesforce database.


• Liaising between departments within the Council, ensuring a harmonious branding strategy.


• Supporting staff in the preparation and execution of donor and member events.


• Monitoring external press and social media channels relevant to the World Affairs Council.