INTERNSHIP AND RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITIES

Internship Description

Through the National Center for Religious Freedom Education (NCRFE), the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI) provides an opportunity for emerging leaders to learn, grow, and actively contribute to RFI’s efforts to secure religious freedom for everyone, everywhere.

During the Internship and Research Assistant programs, students will participate in RFI’s work through its research, education, and policy programs, and gain experience in promoting religious freedom in the United States and around the world through the operations of a nonprofit organization. Under the direction of the NCRFE, the programs introduce students to the important principles of religious freedom and provide them with opportunities to apply those principles through supporting the work of RFI staff.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Support the work of RFI’s leadership team and program staff with research, writing, data collection, and program management tasks.
• Assist in communications and digital media tasks, including drafting, reviewing, editing, and publishing of articles, reports, blog contributions, website posts, and social media posts.
• Assist with logistical and administrative tasks related to events and other organizational activities.

Preferred Experience and Background

• Junior or Senior undergraduate or graduate level academic status in a relevant field such as Political Science, Pre-Law, International Relations/Foreign Policy, Education, Religion, or Regional Studies. Positions are also available for students with a strong interest in operational skills associated with a non-profit, such as communications, finance, or development.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above at undergraduate level
• Demonstrated interest in religious freedom issues. A particular regional or thematic focus (e.g. the Middle East, K-12 education, medical conscience rights, etc.) and/or proficiency in a regional language is a plus.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Dates, Location, and Hours

• Washington D.C. Office: Full-time (25-32 hours a week)
• Remote: Not available in summer cohort
• 2026 Summer Internship Dates: May 19 – August 7

RFI Summer Internships are unpaid. We encourage you to check with your academic institution for available scholarships. 

To Apply

1. Submit your 2026 SUMMER Intern or Research Assistant application HERE.
2. Email the supporting documents identified in the application to crfe@rfi.org. Include “RFI Internship Documents” in the subject line.
3. If selected, you will receive an email from the NCRFE Director to schedule an interview. Interviews will begin in mid-January and continue until the cohort is full. 

Through research, curricula, training, and programs, RFI's NCRFE aims to transform current intellectual and cultural understandings of the free exercise of religion.