Fall 2026 Intern - Cybersecurity & Data Governance

Overview

C4ADS seeks an Cybersecurity and Data Governance Intern. Working directly with the Head of Cybersecurity & Head of Data, the intern will assess C4ADS against recognized security frameworks, research and evaluate data governance practices, and help build out internal documentation. The role suits a candidate who wants hands-on exposure to applied cybersecurity, GRC (governance, risk, and compliance), and IT operations at an organization whose data and research exposes illicit and malign networks on the global stage.


Key Responsibilities

Framework identification and selection. Research and recommend cybersecurity frameworks appropriate to C4ADS's size, threat profile, and mission. Summarize the tradeoffs and justify which framework(s) best fit the organization.

Security assessment. Conduct a gap assessment of C4ADS against the selected framework(s), mapping current controls, identifying deficiencies, and prioritizing remediation by risk and effort.

Data governance. Research and evaluate leading data governance frameworks and produce practical, phased recommendations for implementation at C4ADS, accounting for data classification, retention, access controls, and stewardship.

IT support documentation. Draft and standardize internal IT and support documentation-onboarding/offboarding procedures, common troubleshooting runbooks, software and access request workflows, and a knowledge base for end users.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, IT, or a related field
• Strong written communication; able to translate technical findings into clear documentation
• Detail-oriented, self-directed, and comfortable working independently
• Discretion in handling sensitive organizational information
• Experience in international affairs, journalism, open source intelligence (OSINT), or national security preferred

What You'll Gain

Direct mentorship from the organization's security and IT lead, a portfolio of real deliverables (assessment report, governance roadmap, documentation library), and practical experience applying frameworks to a live operating environment.

Program Details

• Open to current undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates.
• In-person (Washington, D.C.)
• Program starts 9/1/2016 and will run 12-14 weeks
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the US; C4ADS does not sponsor work authorizations for interns
• Stipend of up to $9,600 per semester, for interns who can commit to at least 30 hours per week
• Please note that we ask you are able to commit to at least 30 hours per week to your work.