Institutional Advancement Internship

The Center for Global Development (CGD) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organization in Washington, DC and London, UK that focuses on the issues and institutions that are critical to inclusive development. Through rigorous empirical research and active engagement with the global policy community, we focus on the policy intersections of low- and middle-income countries and the governments, institutions, and corporations that can be partners in delivering greater progress. 

Students will participate in a structured, paid, part-time internship program. Through this 8-week program, CGD hopes to gain diverse perspectives and build a new network of young professionals who may become part of the development community.

The Institutional Advancement summer intern will gain hands-on insight into how global development research moves from ideas to funded impact. Working with CGD’s Institutional Advancement team, the intern will focus on two priority research areas, building familiarity through review of active project materials and conversations with CGD program staff. The intern will map the funding landscape, help assess and prioritize prospective funders, and contribute to strengthening how CGD communicates research impact to external audiences. The internship is designed to give early-career professionals a practical, behind-the-scenes view of strategy, fundraising, and impact storytelling at a leading think tank. The potential areas of focus include development finance, migration and gender.

• Analyze the philanthropic funding landscape for at least 2 priority global development topics, including identifying and assessing alignment between research initiatives and potential funders.

• Apply a structured prospect assessment framework to help prioritize institutional funders based on strategic fit, funding history, and thematic alignment.

• In collaboration with program staff and IA supervisor, synthesize complex research into concise, external-facing summaries tailored to donor and partner audiences.

• Explain how think tanks translate research into funded programs and policy engagement, drawing on exposure to Institutional Advancement and conversations with fellows and program staff.

• Develop and refine funder-facing impact language that clearly communicates the relevance and potential uptake of CGD research.

• Currently pursuing or recently graduated from a program, ideally in economics, development studies, political science or related field.
• Must be available for 25 hours a week for the full 8 weeks
• Outstanding communication and writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office package.
• A positive attitude and a great sense of humor.
• US work authorization.

Compensation
$4,000 stipend.

How to Apply
Applicants should submit a resume and a response (500-word maximum) to the application questions.

Closing date: Sunday, April 5^th, 2026

Due to the large volume of applicants, CGD is unable to answer inquiries regarding application status.

All applicants must have valid US work authorization. We are unable to sponsor US work authorization for this internship.

 

CGD/E is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and celebrates fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment. All persons will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, parental status, veteran status, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation.