Intern - Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide (Policy)

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a federally chartered, nonpartisan institution that was created by the US Congress to serve as America’s national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and an educational institution dedicated to the history and lessons of the Holocaust. The Museum seeks to educate Americans from all 50 states and all walks of life as well as international audiences. The Museum has three areas of expertise: Holocaust remembrance, Holocaust scholarship and education, and genocide prevention.

In carrying out its important memorial and educational mission, the Museum is guided by its institutional values for our workplace: Honor the memory of the victims; carry out our work with dignity, humility, integrity and respect for others; and strive for excellence through teamwork, rigor, and a culture of continuous learning. Consistent respect for others is the foundation for trust, collegiality and inclusion.

Information About the Role and the Office:

The mission of the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide is to alert the national conscience, influence policy makers, and stimulate worldwide action to confront and halt acts of genocide and other atrocity related crimes against humanity. We work to make the prevention of genocide a core foreign policy priority for leaders around the world through a multipronged program of policy analysis and engagement, research, and outreach. Interns will assist with policy analysis and engagement while tracking various risks of mass atrocities and the latest developments in the field of genocide prevention. 

To learn more about us, please visit the SCPG homepage and the Early Warning Project website: https://www.ushmm.org/genocide-prevention

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The Policy Intern will perform some of the following duties: 

• Undertake a semester-long research project and produce a policy memo.
• Research and analyze dynamics in countries experiencing or at risk of experiencing mass atrocities. Draft written products relating to the prevention of or response to mass atrocities in these contexts.
• Support outreach to policymakers on thematic areas of mass atrocity prevention and response as well as on particular cases.
• Assist in tracking policy outreach to key stakeholders.
• Support the organizing of private or public convenings.
• Prepare detailed notes from interviews and meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree (as junior or senior at the time of applying) or graduate degree from an accredited university.
• A strong interest in genocide and mass atrocity prevention, as demonstrated by dedicated coursework, research experience, and/or professional experience. 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience researching and writing about contemporary mass atrocities and their prevention, as demonstrated by dedicated coursework, research experience, and/or professional experience.
• Experience conducting research about contemporary cases of mass atrocities and/or countries at risk of potential mass atrocities.
• Experience working or volunteering with a non-governmental organization, think tank, or governmental office.

How To Apply:

A complete application consists of the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample (see referenced criteria below)
•  

Incomplete applications received will not be considered for advancement.

To apply, please submit a one-page resume, one-page cover letter, and writing sample. The writing sample should be a relatively short (5-7 page) policy memo or excerpt from a class paper. The writing sample will be evaluated on two main criteria: (1) candidate’s ability to conduct research and analysis on topics relevant to the Simon-Skjodt Center; and (2) candidate’s ability to communicate clearly about research findings.

To be eligible to participate in the Internship Program, students must meet the following enrollment criteria:

• • The student must be 18 years or older currently enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college or university
  • The student must have completed at least the first semester of their freshman year (At least at the time of application)
  • Provide proof of legal right to work in the United States
  • Must be able to pass a background check
  • Must reside in the United States for the full duration of the internship program.
  • Must complete their background check while physically present in the United States.

  Interviews for the Fall 2026 internship program will begin in August 2026 for advanced applicants. Final selection decisions will be made in September 2026, and all candidates will be notified of their status via email by Human Resources.