Communications Intern

The Innocence Project, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that represents prisoners nationwide who can be proven innocent through DNA testing, is seeking Communications Interns for Fall 2009. This is an unpaid internship.

The Innocence Project’s mission is nothing less than to free the staggering numbers of innocent people who remain incarcerated and to bring substantive reform to the system responsible for their unjust imprisonment.

The Innocence Project Communications Department is accepting applications for smart, energetic and resourceful undergraduate interns. The department’s work focuses on strategic communications with the public and target audiences through media relations, publications, websites, etc. The communications intern will conduct some in-depth issue-based research, assemble and maintain media contact lists and draft background memos, fact sheets and other materials. The intern’s general duties also involve some administrative work for the department, including filing media clips and internet research. Interns will not be involved in litigation or case work.

Required qualifications include:

• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel. (HTML and Photoshop a plus.)
• Basic clerical skills including scanning and faxing.
• Excellent web research skills (experience with Lexis Nexis and Westlaw a plus).
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• A flexible, independent, work style.
• An interest in criminal justice issues and/or communications work for a non-profit organization.
 
The fall internship runs from mid-August to mid-December and requires a minimum commitment of at least one full day a week. However, the time frame and schedule are flexible. Letters of recommendation and documentation of internship for course credit can be provided upon completion.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to hr5@innocenceproject.org with the subject heading COMMUNICATIONS INTERN.