Communications Internship

PEN America seeks a motivated intern to work with our communications team. The intern will help to advance the organization’s literary and advocacy programs and campaigns through media relations, writing, brand-building, social media, public relations, and digital marketing. The candidate will develop skills and gain real-world experience in an exciting, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial environment. This internship will operate primarily in-person, with the option to work a hybrid schedule, from our headquarters in New York City during normal business hours.

PEN America’s internships offer a unique opportunity to learn more about the literary community and human rights advocacy in the United States and around the world. Communications interns are exposed to a diverse range of programming and departments, and are involved with projects that help prepare those interested in careers in marketing, public affairs, journalism, graphic design, video production, publishing, and the nonprofit sector at large.

A limited number of paid internships are available through our Centenary Internship program and would require a commitment of 20 hours per week during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, specifically 10am-4pm ET. The summer internship will run from May through August. All internships are also eligible for college credit.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Interns will be given responsibilities that involve the following:

Web Editing, Content Strategy, Publishing, Analytics

• Brainstorming and drafting blogs, interviews, and/or reading list pieces for PEN.org in conjunction with larger organizational campaigns and initiatives
• Fact-check, copyedit, and research articles for PEN.org

Email Marketing

• Assist with curating items and writing copy for inclusion in organizational newsletters and marketing emails
• Create or adapt visuals for email marketing components of communications campaigns

Social Media

• Draft social media posts across platforms to support PEN America events, campaigns, and PR efforts
• Monitor social media channels to keep a pulse on breaking news in the literary community and free expression around the world
• Brainstorm ideas and conduct research for new campaigns and initiatives with the opportunity to contribute copy and visual assets

Graphics, Multimedia, Video Production

• Source images for PEN.org
• Source or create graphics for use across multiple channels (web, social, etc.)
• Develop and edit dynamic video footage for use on TikTok and Instagram reels
• Organize visual assets across the organization

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES:

We’re looking for an intern who is self-motivated, passionate about PEN America’s mission, and is a team player. The ideal candidate will have:

• School or work experience in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, multimedia, nonprofits, or publishing and editorial
• Interest in learning new skills and the flexibility to pitch in where needed
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with team members
• Strong writing, grammar, copyediting, and fact-checking skills
• Interest in current events, international affairs, literature, and/or arts and culture
• Understanding of or eagerness to learn about social media, websites, marketing, and public relations
• Experience developing videos for TikTok, either personally or professionally, is a big plus
• Graphic design and HTML skills are desirable but not required

Candidates must be able to provide proof of authorization to intern in the United States, and must be available 20 hours per week during normal business hours, specifically 10am-4pm ET.

APPLICATION PERIODS:

• Summer Internship: Please submit your application between February 1st and March 31st. The internship will run from May through August.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and writing sample to mjoskow@pen.org. Writing samples include but are not limited to college papers, 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. If you have a portfolio showing design and/or video production work, please submit that as well. 

Please include the cycle you’re applying for, and your name as the subject of your email (for example, “Summer Communications Internship – Jane Doe”). Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
 

If you have any questions, please inquire to the email address included above.

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.