Communications Intern - Fall 2026

Start date: Sept. 21, 2026

Location: Seattle, WA

Hours and duration: 10-12/week, through mid-December; possibility of extending internship through May 2027

Application deadline: Aug. 7, 2026

Stockholm Environment Institute’s US Center seeks an energetic, versatile, intellectually curious, collaborative writer and communicator to help us identify and tell stories from our work, raise our global profile and boost our impact.

SEI’s US Center staff work on a variety of timely environment and sustainable development issues, from climate change policy to water resource planning. While this job is US-based, it could involve projects from around the world, as well as opportunities to collaborate with SEI’s centers in Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia. The US Center offers an international working environment, a warm and friendly culture, development opportunities within the communication field, and the ability to support a dynamic research team.

SEI is a mission-driven, independent international research organization working to advance sustainable development through research, policy analysis and capacity-building. Headquartered in Sweden, SEI has a global reach with eight centers spanning five continents. SEI communications staff work closely with researchers to plan projects, shape messages, identify compelling stories, and share those stories and messages with diverse audiences.

The SEI US communications intern will be able to tailor their workload to their interests, but the position will include an emphasis on clear, plain-language writing and storytelling. The person in this role will write feature stories about researchers’ work for SEI.org, update the website with new content, and draft written and visual content for social media channels. Opportunities in graphic design and video production will also be available should the intern be proficient in these areas.

The ideal candidate will have an interest and demonstrated ability in communicating complex topics to a general audience, in a variety of written and digital formats.

This internship will report to the SEI US Communications Officer.

Primary responsibilities

Contributions may include:

• Writing and publishing content on SEI.org to promote new publications, ongoing projects, researcher interviews and upcoming events
• Drafting written and visual elements for social media posts
• Writing marketing materials for SEI projects and programs
• Providing input on and executing webpage updates
• Writing and publishing internal newsletters
• Developing original video and/or graphic design content for our website and social media channels

Requirements

• Enrolled as a student in an undergraduate or master’s program related to communication, journalism, English, public relations, marketing, political science or another field compatible with science communication
• Within proximity to SEI's office in downtown Seattle
• Current resident of Washington state
• Strong written communication and critical thinking skills without the use of AI
• Keen attention to detail in fact-checking, grammar, spelling and following directions
• Interest in environmental and sustainable development issues
• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to explain complex topics in plain language
• Working knowledge of how to use LinkedIn, Bluesky, Facebook and YouTube, and familiarity with their respective audiences

Preferred but not required

• Experience in graphic design or video editing/production
• Experience using WordPress, Canva, Adobe Creative software
• Work study preferred, but not required

How to apply

Please submit your application using the Workable link, and be sure to include:

• One-page cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience in your own words, not generated using AI.
• Resume
• Three references. We will alert you before contacting your references.
• Three recent work samples not generated using AI. These can include writing samples, social media posts/campaigns, videos, pamphlets, fact sheets and graphics. We will not read writing samples more than 3000 words.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

We offer Seattle city minimum wage at $21.30/hr. In addition, we offer sick time, as well as a welcoming work environment and a flexible work schedule.

SEI US is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and an inclusive work culture. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding, or reproductive health decision-making), marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, past or present status as a workers’ compensation or whistleblower claimant, use of a service animal, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We are dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment. This policy and the law prohibit employment discrimination against any employee or applicant on the basis of any legally protected status outlined above.