PEN America is seeking motivated interns to work with our Communications Department spanning media relations, brand building, social media, public relations, website development, editorial, and digital archives. Candidates can expect to gain skills and real world experience in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
PEN America’s internships offer a unique opportunity to learn more about the New York literary community and human rights advocacy. Interns will be exposed to the company’s diverse range of programming and departments. This opportunity aims to provide selected candidates with a broad range of experiences in preparation for a career in the editorial, communications, or not-for-profit sectors. Every effort is made to match candidates’ job responsibilities to their unique interests and strengths.
Regular responsibilities may include:
- Compiling, curating, and distributing (via email, web, and social media) a daily digest of free expression news
- Tracking and reporting press clips
- Compiling weekly social media and web analytics reports
- Drafting and/or editing press releases, email newsletters, and other web content
- Fact-checking, copyediting, and formatting manuscripts for PEN.org
- Maintaining and tracking performance of Google AdWords campaigns
- Researching free expression issues, cases, and organizations globally
- Assisting at PEN America’s literary and free expression events around the city
- Drafting social media text and graphics for Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram
- Preparing digital archives assets for web distribution
- Administrative and other office support as necessary
The ideal candidate will have school or work experience in journalism, public relations, communications, information technology, marketing, or editorial and possess a strong interest in international affairs, human rights, and literature, as well as:
- Professional demeanor and the ability to work independently
- Strict attention to detail
- Excellent writing, grammar, copyediting, and fact-checking skills
- Comfort interacting with senior-level staff members
- Fluency in Internet and social media technology; knowledge of HTML a plus
- Interest in learning new skills and the flexibility to pitch in when needed
- Experience with graphic design and relevant software, including Adobe Creative Suite, desirable but not required
To apply, please email Angelo Piro at [email protected] with the subject line “Summer 2017 Communications Intern—YOUR NAME” and include the following:
- cover letter
- up-to-date resume or CV
- writing sample of no more than 1,000 words on any topic (including but not limited to papers submitted for credit and original essays, stories, and articles that may have been previously published, as long as they have been subject to no more than minimal editing by someone other than yourself)
