Centenary Internship: Artists at Risk Connection
PEN America, founded in 1922, stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
As a commitment to this mission, and to mark our centenary, PEN America is offering a special paid internship program for students passionate about human rights, free speech, and creative expression. The program is intended for students who would not otherwise have the support to take up an internship while pursuing their studies.
We expect interns will work in a hybrid model, starting with virtual work and potentially offering an in-person opportunity dependent on applicable health and safety considerations.
All candidates must commit to 26 weeks of program, with the availability of 20 hours of work per week. These are paid positions at $15 per hour. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
Candidates representing diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with research and outreach to identify and expand the network of organizations supporting artists at risk
- Support work to identify sources of assistance for artists and development and maintenance of a database inventory of these resources
- Draft profiles of artists and partner organizations for artistsatriskconnection.org
- Draft press releases on violations of artistic freedom around the world
- Perform prospect research and support other fundraising efforts
- Assist with efforts to expand support for the initiative, including media communications
- Be involved in communications with individual artists at risk and the network of organizations that provide them with support
- Research and monitor issues and cases concerning the repression of artistic expression worldwide
Desired Attributes:
- Must be able to provide proof of authorization to intern in the United States
- Must be available 20 hours/three days per week during regular business hours
- Knowledge of and interest in global free expression and artistic freedom issues
- Strong research, writing, organizational, and administrative skills
- Ability to work quickly, stay highly organized, and multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and G Suite
- Experience managing social media accounts and drafting social media content
- Experience with online databases and website management desirable
- Experience doing prospect research and grant writing
- Proficiency in Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, or other languages a big plus
REQUIREMENTS:
- Proof of authorization to work in the United States
- Proof of enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate academic program
TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter directly addressing your qualifications in relation to the desired attributes of the internship. In your cover letter, specify what period (fall, winter/spring, summer) you're applying for. Applicants should explain their reasons for pursuing a paid internship. A resume, unedited writing sample, and the contact information for three references should also be submitted. Please send the entire application to jobs@pen.org. One PDF is preferred. Please use “PEN America Centenary Internship – ARC” and your name as the subject of your email (for example, “PEN America Centenary Internship – ARC – Jane Doe”). Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
PEN America does not discriminate in its selection practices, and in order to build the strongest possible team, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.
No phone calls, please.
ABOUT PEN AMERICA:
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.