Application Guide
How to Apply for KIP Spring 2027 - Communications & Operations Intern - James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal
at Standtogether
🏢 About Standtogether
The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal is a Raleigh-based nonprofit think tank dedicated to reforming higher education through classical liberal principles, using research, opinion articles, and events to influence policymakers and taxpayers. As part of the Stand Together Fellowships network, it offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of policy, communications, and operations, shaping the future of academia. This role is ideal for someone passionate about higher education reform and eager to gain hands-on experience in a mission-driven organization.
About This Role
This Communications & Operations Intern will support the Martin Center's efforts to expand its impact by assisting with donor outreach, social media promotion, newsletter growth, and general operations. The intern will also have the chance to write short articles for the center's website, contributing directly to its public-facing content. This is a full-time, remote-friendly position that offers a blend of communications and operational tasks, providing a comprehensive view of how a policy nonprofit functions.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve drafting social media posts to promote a new Martin Center article, updating the newsletter subscriber list, and researching potential donors. You could also spend time writing a short piece on a higher education reform topic, coordinating with the team on operational tasks, and possibly assisting with office organization if working in person. The role offers a mix of creative and administrative work, all in support of advancing the center's mission.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Standtogether Is Looking For
- Demonstrates a strong interest in higher education reform and classical liberal principles, with a desire to promote viewpoint diversity and academic quality.
- Has excellent written communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging social media posts, newsletters, and short articles that resonate with donors and policymakers.
- Is organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple operational tasks such as donor outreach, social media scheduling, and newsletter list management.
- Thrives in a remote work environment, is self-motivated, and can collaborate effectively with a small team across different locations.
📝 Tips for Applying to Standtogether
Explicitly connect your interest in higher education reform to the Martin Center's mission in your cover letter—mention specific issues like viewpoint diversity or cost-effective education solutions that resonate with you.
Highlight any experience with social media management, newsletter platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), or donor outreach, as these are core responsibilities of the role.
If you have writing samples, include one or two that demonstrate your ability to write persuasively about policy or education topics, as the intern may write short articles.
Show familiarity with the Martin Center's work by referencing a recent article, report, or event in your application, demonstrating that you've done your homework.
Emphasize your ability to work independently and manage tasks remotely, as the role is remote and requires self-discipline and initiative.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for higher education reform and alignment with classical liberal principles, explaining why the Martin Center's mission excites you.", 'Your relevant skills in communications (social media, writing, newsletters) and operations (donor outreach, organization), with concrete examples of past successes.', "Your ability to contribute to the center's impact by expanding its reach, such as growing newsletter recipients or increasing social media engagement.", 'Your interest in writing short articles and your capacity to produce clear, persuasive content on higher education issues.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore the Martin Center's website, focusing on their recent publications, blog posts, and newsletters to understand their current campaigns and tone.
- → Research the Stand Together Fellowships program to understand its values, structure, and how the Martin Center fits within the network.
- → Look into North Carolina higher education policies and key issues the Martin Center addresses, such as governance, viewpoint diversity, and cost-effective solutions.
- → Follow the Martin Center on social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) to see how they engage with their audience and what content performs well.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Martin Center or higher education reform—demonstrate genuine interest in the cause.
- Lacking awareness of the center's classical liberal stance; avoid using language that conflicts with their principles or shows unfamiliarity.
- Failing to provide writing samples or concrete examples of communications work, as the role heavily involves writing and social media.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!