Security ClearanceSecret
Duties
This vacancy announcement will be open from May 12, 2026 to May 18, 2026 or when 50 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. The student volunteer(s) will support the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy's strategic communications and public engagement initiatives through research and data analysis. Primary responsibilities include tracking and analyzing the impact of the Under Secretary's public engagements, researching think tanks and stakeholder organizations for potential partnerships and engagement, and monitoring media coverage of events and trips. The volunteer(s) will compile metrics on engagement effectiveness, research optimal venues and formats for strategic rollouts, and identify speaking opportunities aligned with policy priorities. Deliverables include impact analysis reports, stakeholder databases, media coverage assessments, and engagement opportunity briefs that support staff decision-making. This project provides substantive research experience in strategic communications while directly supporting the office's mission to expand and measure the Under Secretary's public diplomacy outreach. Depending on availability, up to two volunteers may be selected, with one focusing primarily on strategic communications analysis and the other on public engagement research. The volunteer(s) will receive mentorship from the Front Office team and gain firsthand exposure to senior-level government communications strategy.
Requirements
Conditions of employment To participate in this Program, you must: Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. Students studying abroad are ineligible for application. All remote work must be completed domestic within the United States. Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution. Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Commit to volunteering 8 – 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days. Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Federal agency and your academic institution. Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for. Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0 scale.
Qualifications
Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should have: Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint), Detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects independently. Prior experience with communications research, media monitoring, policy briefs, or familiarity with think tanks is preferred. Ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with genuine interest in public diplomacy and strategic communications who demonstrates professionalism, discretion, and enthusiasm for learning.
Education
To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution. You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification. Seeking students enrolled in Communications, International Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Journalism, Data Analytics, or related field Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0 scale. Students studying abroad are ineligible for application. All remote work must be completed domestic within the United States.