VOLUNTEER

Student Volunteer Opportunity

We are occasionally seeking high school students, university students, and recent graduates interested in international relations to volunteer with The Sage Institute for Foreign Affairs — a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to making expert knowledge more accessible to diplomats, journalists, and other global professionals.

These volunteer roles are fully remote and designed around a four-month cycle — with most participants continuing beyond their initial term. Volunteers are typically paired with a mentor for guidance and development and may go on to serve as mentors themselves. Volunteers commit a minimum of five hours per week on a flexible schedule to remain active in the program. Hours may qualify as recognized volunteer service at participating schools.

PROJECT TRACKS

• SPHERE | Team-Based Country Research
  Join a small research team to explore and map a country’s bilateral relationships. Led by a mentor, this work focuses on deep research, synthesis, and documentation — ideal for those who enjoy collaborative, research-focused tasks with minimal writing.

• GLOBAL STORIES | Deep Research & Writing
  Investigate the geographic, economic, and institutional forces shaping a country’s global positioning, and craft concise, structured written briefs that highlight the underpinnings of foreign policy — ideal for those who enjoy transforming complex information into clear, meaningful narratives.

• EXPERT DIRECTORY | Data Collection & Survey Analysis
  Conduct research for our proprietary expert vetting system, supporting the identification and assessment of leading subject matter experts — ideal for those who are organized, methodical, and interested in survey design and data collection.

At Sage, every volunteer owns a portfolio and contributes directly to tools used by foreign policy professionals around the world. By joining, you will gain meaningful experience in international relations research and synthesis — while advancing a mission focused on expanding access to trusted, country-level insight.