Communications Intern Fall 2026

Company Profile

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the solar and storage industry and represents more than 1,000 member companies and an industry workforce of more than 255,000 across the United States. SEIA is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy and is creating the framework for solar to reach 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. We work with our member companies and strategic partners to advocate for policies that create jobs and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power.

SEIA does this by supporting pro-solar policies at the state and federal level, developing cutting-edge market research, hosting educational events and webinars, and serving as the voice of the solar and storage industry.

SEIA employees are passionate, forward-thinking leaders who start every day knowing that their work makes a difference. SEIA fosters an inclusive, lively company culture that values our employees’ varied backgrounds and experiences and celebrates team success. The Association has earned numerous awards for its work and company culture and was named The Washington Post as a Top Workplace in 2023 and 2024 and by the Nonprofit Times as one of the “Best Nonprofits to Work For” in America in April 2022.

Internship Description:

SEIA’s communications team is a central part of the organization’s advocacy efforts and strives to create exciting and engaging content that showcases the growing importance of clean energy in America. The Communications Intern will support the efforts of this fast-paced, award-winning team. The Communications Intern will gain valuable strategic communication and digital media skills that could help launch a career in clean energy and climate communications. The ideal candidate will be available 15-20 hours per week.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Curate Solar in the News, a daily round up of clean energy news hits for key members  
• Create the Weekly Array, SEIA’s weekly newsletter for interested stakeholders   
• Content development and creation, to include blog posts, fact sheets, webpages, and other materials that showcase the importance of solar energy in America  
• Support for the team’s public affairs activities, digital campaigns, and events   
• Track national and local press coverage of SEIA and the solar and storage industry  
• Draft social media posts and suggesting content for SEIA’s various social media channels, including LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok  
• Other projects as assigned

Requirements: 

• Working knowledge of strategic communications and social media
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to quickly learn digital platforms like Drupal, Salesforce, Eventbrite, and more
• Positive, can-do attitude
• Teamwork and flexibility
• Resourcefulness, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities
• Working knowledge of the public policy process
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Video editing and graphic design skills are desired but not required

Undergraduate: Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, Journalism, Environmental Studies, Political Science, American Studies or Media Studies, and other liberal arts majors that emphasize strategic communications, writing, and analysis.

Graduate: Strategic Communications or Communications, Public Policy or Public Administration, Political Management, Nonprofit Management, and more.

Compensation:

This position pays $19/hour. The internship will start September 29th through December 12th. For our internship Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

Working Conditions

• This position is 15-20 hours/week
• This internship is based in the Washington, DC office
• Interns MUST be in the office on designated team days (2-3 days a week) and specifically for cohort touch base.

Working at SEIA

SEIA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, homelessness, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. SEIA complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we employ staff. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SEIA is an EVERIFY employer.