Ethics & Leadership in the Media

Spring 2018 Communications & Civil Rights Internship

Reports to: External Affairs Program

Primary Internship Focus: Support the ERC’s External Affairs Department with social and digital media functions as well as the Programmatic departments with research and investigations

Ideal for: Juniors or Seniors pursing a degree in journalism, digital communications, marketing or a related field & passionate about civil rights particularly fair employment, fair housing and accessibility issues.

Organizational Overview:

With over 30 years of experience, the Equal Rights (ERC) Center is a Washington, DC based non-profit that investigates and remediates acts of discrimination.  We promote equal opportunities nationally in employment, housing, government services and public accommodations for all protected classes. The ERC accomplishes our efforts through education, research, testing, enforcement, advocacy and partnerships.

Internship Overview:

The External Affairs Department oversees the organization’s marketing and communications, fund development, corporate partnerships and stakeholder engagement. We are seeking an intern to support our efforts in strengthening and growing our social media and online presence to raise our visibility, better engage our supporters and promote the important work of the ERC via new mediums.

This intern may also be supporting the various programs that promote civil rights such as the Strategic Initiatives Program which works on Fair Employment and LGBT investigations, the Fair Housing Program which works on addressing housing discrimination, & the Accessibility Rights Program which works on issues related to disability & accessibility in the retail, service industry and housing.

The internship runs from mid-January 2018 through mid-May 2018. This is an unpaid internship but students are encouraged to seek academic credit through their institutions. Students are expected to be available for a minimum of 12 weeks, part time (15 to 20 hours per week).

Core Responsibilities:

·        Assist with managing social media, web and e-communications.

·        Draft copy, as needed, and make timely, relevant and engaging posts and blogs.

·        Support the use of the ERC’s Google Analytics, Twitter, Facebook, Hootsuite, etc. accounts.

·        Track google alerts and relevant media pertaining to the ERC our core program areas.

·        Collect program data and update reports highlighting the organizations education and outreach.

·        Support webinar logistics.

·        Conducting intakes: receiving phone calls from people who have experienced discrimination and discussing their options for remediation.

·        Assisting with testing related responsibilities as requested.

·        Conducting research for reports and investigations.

·        Acting as civil rights testers.

·        Assisting with data entry.

·        Answering phone calls, assisting with filing, completing other duties as assigned.

What you will gain:

·        Demonstrated experience in working with designers, project managers, clients and senior leaders in the successful development of marketing communications materials.

·        Demonstrated experience working in Google Analytics and managing social media portals.

·        Content and relevant professional experience to include in your portfolio post-graduation.

·        Experience working in a non-profit environment and learning from a seasoned manger and communications strategist.

·        Ability to navigate and position from various viewpoints and communication styles.

·        Knowledge of civil rights issues and legislations, especially as it relates to employment, disability, accessibility and fair housing.

Experience & Education Required:

·        Educational background or training in copywriting, editing, web content development, or social media.

·        Educational background AND interest in civil rights, social justice and advocacy issues.

·        Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or related field AND/OR in any social science (i.e. history, sociology, psychology, politics, etc.).

·        Sensitivity toward cultural, racial, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity.

·        Demonstrated passion or interest in civil rights and social justice.

·        Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team.

·        Ability to work in a constantly changing environment.

·        Ability to exercise flexibility, initiative, and good judgment.

·        Exceptional written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.

·        Good organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.

·        Ability to work accurately and meet deadlines with frequent interruptions.

• Integrity, respect, and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Detailed-oriented.
• Skilled in navigating the Internet for research purposes.

·        Skilled in various Microsoft Office products.

Experience & Education Preferred:

·        Strong aptitude or experience working with software design and application tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Convio, and Constant Contact.

·         Experience with HTML.

·        Prior experience working or interning for a communications group OR prior experience interning or working for social advocacy groups particularly related to civil rights issues.

·        Second language a plus.

·        Comfortable communicating with the public.

·        Prior experience conducting intakes or receiving calls from people experience discrimination.

·        Prior experience or knowledge of civil rights testing.

·        Prior knowledge of the ADA and/or FH Act.

For more information about the Equal Rights Center please visit www.equalrightscenter.org.

Application Instructions:

To submit an application, please send via email: (1) a cover letter describing your interest in our work and (2) your resume.

All materials must be emailed to internship@equalrightscenter.org, to the attention of Diego Rivera, Operations Coordinator. Subject line: Fall 2017 Communications & Civil Rights Internship application of (your name).

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Due to the high volume of applicants, we may not be able to respond to everyone. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews on a rolling basis.

The Equal Rights Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Equal Rights Center is a barrier, drugs and smoke free workplace.