Fall Free Expression Internship with PEN America

PEN America’s Washington, DC office seeks motivated interns to support our work promoting free expression and supporting writers at risk in the United States and around the world. This work includes research and advocacy on US and global free expression issues, including press freedom, fraudulent news, digital rights, surveillance and privacy rights, whistleblower protections, access to information, and other issues. 

Interns will have the opportunity to draft advocacy materials including press releases, memos, and briefing papers; interact with congressional offices, the executive branch, and other non-profit organizations; and help organize events in Washington. Interns will help manage a database of key contacts in Washington (congressional and executive branch, media, and civil society organizations).

Interns will play a strong role in our advocacy through engaging in our legislative outreach, drafting memos on emerging and ongoing projects, and conduct research on issues of particular interest to them that PEN America  should be active in

Interns will provide support for the Washington, DC office, including the following tasks:

• Work closely with the Washington Director and Advocacy Coordinator to track and respond to current events related to free expression issues in the U.S. and abroad
• Draft press and advocacy materials, social media, and web content
• Support legislative outreach
• Conduct research and prepare memos
• Conduct research on writers facing severe threats globally
• Help plan and organize events
• Explore issues of personal interest relating to PEN America’s mission

The following skills will be taken into consideration:

• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of free expression
• Superb writing skills, including the ability to craft clear, user-friendly language
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Keen logistical eye for details and excellent organizational skills
• Strong familiarity with social media platforms
• Knowledge of U.S. or global human rights and free expression issues
• Fluency in Google Drive document management and suite of applications

Interns should have the following characteristics:

• High energy and efficiency
• Strong work ethic
• Meticulous attention to deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills and an aptitude for collaboration, creativity, and initiative

To apply: Please email your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest to aedling@pen.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Start dates flexible August through September. No phone calls, please.