PEN American Center, the 3,400-strong association of writers working to advance literature, defend free expression, and foster international literary fellowship, will offer several internship openings in fall 2009. Applicants must have an interest in and knowledge of literature, and an appreciation for humanitarian and international issues to which PEN is committed.

Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the breadth of PEN’s literary programs and events, as well as the essentials of daily work in a non-profit organization. They will assist office staff with administrative details, research, press and publicity, and other activities. Some previous office experience, as well as strong communication, writing and organizational skills, are required. A minimum commitment of 15 or more hours a week is strongly preferred. Interns committing to 15+ hours a week may apply for a local travel stipend. PEN internships are unpaid and eligible for college credit.

The Membership Intern responsibilities will include: researching authors for Membership, checking applicant references, helping with Member renewal mailings, supporting  the maintenance of the membership database and website, and assisting with PEN campaigns, petitions, and programs as they relate to PEN’s membership base and/or the general public.

The Membership Intern will get a good overview of the literary and publishing communities and will learn to hone their research skills. Excellent writing, computer, and research skills are crucial. A willingness to do a range of administrative tasks, from research to envelope stuffing, is essential.

Interns will also have the opportunity to help out with, and/or attend, PEN public programs, receptions, and other events.

A commitment of 15 hours per week, within normal business hours, is required. This is an unpaid position, though a stipend for local travel is available.

E-mail a cover letter and resume to lara@pen.org to apply.

The Multimedia Intern will work closely with the web site editors to digitize, capture, and edit content from the PEN World Voices Festival and other PEN Events to add to our online audio, photo, and video archives.

Previous experience with HTML, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, and iMovie—or comparable programs—is required. The position provides an excellent opportunity for those with a working knowledge of these programs to hone their skills and gain valuable experience in the literary and online publishing communities.

A commitment of 15 hours per week during usual business hours is required. This is an unpaid position, though a travel stipend is available.

E-mail a cover letter and resume to chuck@pen.org to apply.

The Prison Writing Program intern will assist in three spheres: web development, management of inmates’ letters, and maintenance of files for our annual Prison Writing Contest. The web development will involve typing and checking manuscripts from past contests in order to organize our archives. Inmate correspondence will be read and responded to accordingly. Contest entries need to be sorted into appropriate categories and authors’ information entered into a database. Tasks will alternate between these three areas. We are seeking someone attentive to detail and thoughtful regarding writing in a prison setting.

E-mail a cover letter and resume to prisonwriting@pen.org to apply.

The Readers & Writers Intern supports PEN American Center’s program for New York City public high school students.

Specific responsibilities change seasonally. In the past, interns have represented the Readers & Writers program at literary and in-school events; participated in student workshops; researched and updated resource files; consulted with individual students; and prepared paper and media materials.

Interns gain exposure to literary and education communities (primarily those located in New York City) while being trained in program development. Interns have a hand in delivering arts education directly to high school students, exercising their own creative capacities in the process.

Excellent communications, copy-editing, and computer skills are necessary (MS Word, Excel, Internet). Must be able to work independently. An interest in youth, writing, and reading is strongly encouraged.

E-mail a cover letter and resume to stefanie@pen.org to apply.

The World Voices Festival/Public Programs intern will assist the Festival Director with aspects of the planning and organization for PEN World Voices: The New York Festival of International Literature. Duties will include conducting internet research, sponsorship outreach, editorial duties, event promotion and marketing, accessing and maintaining files, and various other tasks. Excellent communication and computer skills are necessary (MS Word, Excel, Internet savvy), and experience with events is a bonus. Enthusiasm, a can-do attitude, and attention to detail are a must.

E-mail a cover letter and resume to elizabeth@pen.org to apply.

The PEN Writers' Fund is a domestic emergency fund for professional writers in acute emergency crisis. Because the Fund is modest in size, it cannot help all the eligible applicants that apply. In an effort to further assist writers the fund cannot help with financial grants, the Writers' Fund Committee created an online directory of emergency resources for writers in crisis.

The Writer's Fund Research Intern will embark on a semester long independent research project to deepen and expand this directory. The Intern will need to be able to work independently, be very detailed (including extensive fact checking), and be passionate about the mission of PEN and the Writers' Fund. Excellent writing, computer, and research skills are crucial. This position will also assist with the administration of the Writers' Fund, including verification of applications, and other administrative duties.

A commitment of 7 to 15 hours per week, within normal business hours, is required. This is an unpaid position, though a stipend for local travel is available.

E-mail a cover letter and resume to lara@pen.org to apply.