Data Visualization Intern - iDeas Lab (Spring 2026)

JOB SUMMARY :

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Andreas C. Dracopoulos iDeas Lab, the award-winning creative and digital production department at CSIS, continues to be the gold standard for innovation in the global think tank space by using cutting-edge multimedia production to bring policy research to life.

The iDeas Lab enhances CSIS's policy research and analysis with the latest in web development, design, video, and audio. You can see some of our work atideaslab.csis.orgorwww.github.com / CSIS-iLab.

The data visualization intern will translate datasets into graphs, charts, and other data visualizations to be featured in CSIS's premiere product - our publications. The core of this position is to process data and quickly produce relevant data visualizations.

You will work in a creative environment with other designers who are eager to bring information to life on the web and across platforms, partnering with some of the most respected foreign policy experts and researchers.

The ideal candidate has solid data visualization background and communication skills. They also bring a passion for bridging the intersection between data, design, technology, and foreign policy / national security.

The successful candidate will be eager to improve their skills and contribute to CSIS's vision of telling fact-based public policy stories. The candidate will have strong problem-solving skills and independent self-direction, coupled with an aptitude for design and collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team.

Additionally, the candidate will be a team player, possess outstanding communication and project management skills, and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced and innovative environment while meeting tight deadlines.

The hired candidates will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($19.00 / hour for hires with a bachelor's degree, and $20.00 / hour for hires with a master's degree).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Design data visualizations using Flourish and Datawrapper. Create infographics.
• Help researchers, analysts, and non-technical partners to effectively communicate their findings using data.
• Work closely with publications team designers to merge data visualizations with the layout of publications.
• Support the team to gather feedback from clients and partners to continually improve the products and tools we create.
• Support the design, layout, and illustration of communication materials for print and digital platforms, including reports and presentations.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE :

SOME TECHNOLOGIES WE USE IN THE iDEAS LAB

You don't need to be proficient in all of these, but familiarity with some is a plus and a willingness to learn is key.

Percentage Breakdown Core Functions / Duties Alternative Industry Titles

90% Design data visualizations for CSIS publications.

5% Data visualization design for non-publications.

5% Assist with publication layout using Typefi, as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS :

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

HOW TO APPLY :

Apply early! we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter.