Application Guide

How to Apply for 2026 Development & External Affairs Internship

at Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)

🏢 About Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)

The Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) is a unique nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to preserving an open, innovative, and free internet while protecting civil liberties and human rights in the digital age. Unlike many tech policy groups, CDT operates at the intersection of technology, law, and policy with a nonpartisan approach, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about shaping internet governance without ideological constraints.

About This Role

The 2026 Development & External Affairs Internship involves supporting fundraising efforts and external communications for CDT's internet policy initiatives, likely including donor research, grant writing assistance, and stakeholder engagement. This role is impactful because it directly fuels CDT's ability to advocate for net neutrality, privacy protections, and digital rights through sustainable funding and strategic partnerships.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching potential foundation donors aligned with CDT's tech policy priorities, drafting sections of grant proposals supporting privacy advocacy work, and participating in virtual team meetings to coordinate messaging around current legislative developments. You'd likely collaborate with policy staff to translate technical positions into compelling fundraising narratives while tracking stakeholder engagement in a remote environment.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) Is Looking For

  • Demonstrates genuine passion for internet policy issues like net neutrality, privacy, and digital equity through coursework, projects, or extracurricular involvement
  • Has experience or strong interest in nonprofit development/fundraising, communications, or external relations (even through student organizations)
  • Can articulate how their values align with CDT's mission of preserving an open internet while protecting civil liberties
  • Shows awareness of current tech policy debates and can discuss specific legislation or CDT initiatives

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)

1

Explicitly mention specific CDT projects or positions you admire (e.g., their work on the American Privacy Rights Act, AI accountability, or net neutrality advocacy)

2

Highlight any experience with nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, donor relations, or policy communications—even from student organizations

3

Demonstrate your understanding of how development work supports policy advocacy by connecting fundraising to specific CDT initiatives

4

Reference CDT's commitment to diversity and inclusion by mentioning how your background or perspective would contribute to their mission

5

Tailor your application to show you've read beyond the job posting—mention their blog, recent testimony, or specific policy papers

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in CDT's approach to tech policy (mention 1-2 current initiatives)", 'How your skills in development/external affairs can advance their mission (be concrete about fundraising, communications, or stakeholder engagement)', 'Your passion for the intersection of technology and democracy/civil liberties', "Why remote work won't hinder your ability to contribute to team goals"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → CDT's recent policy filings, testimony, or blog posts on net neutrality, privacy, or AI governance
  • → Their organizational structure and key leadership (especially development/external affairs team)
  • → Their funding model and major donors/foundations (check their annual report if available)
  • → Current legislative battles they're engaged in (e.g., state privacy laws, federal tech regulation)

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you explain CDT's position on net neutrality to a potential donor?
2 What experience do you have with donor research or grant proposal development?
3 How do you stay informed about current internet policy debates?
4 Describe a time you had to communicate complex policy issues to non-expert audiences
5 How would you approach building relationships with stakeholders in a remote environment?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic statements about 'loving technology' without connecting to policy/civil liberties
  • Focusing only on technical skills rather than policy/advocacy/development experience
  • Not demonstrating awareness of CDT's specific work or current internet policy debates

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)!

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