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Prison and Justice Writing Editorial Programs Intern
PEN America
New York, NY
Print/Online
Company Information
This internship supports the editorial needs of PEN America’s Prison and Justice Writing Program (PJW), which for over fifty years has amplified the voices of thousands of writers who are creating in prisons and carceral facilities across the United States. The editorial intern will work with the Senior Manager of Editorial Projects, whose work extends across three program areas: the PEN Prison Writing Awards, the Works of Justice content series, and the forthcoming Incarcerated Writers Bureau.
This internship will operate from our headquarters in New York City on a hybrid schedule during normal business hours. Applicants needing a fully virtual arrangement are also welcome to apply. Candidates with diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, especially candidates with justice-involvement. This is a paid internship and would require a commitment of 15-20 hours/week over 26 weeks. All internships are also eligible for college credit.
Qualifications
- Must be able to provide proof of authorization to intern in the United States
- Has a working knowledge of issues connected to the current and historical landscape of incarceration in the US
- Works at a steady pace, is comfortable taking initiative, and thrives working independently
- Demonstrates flexibility, autonomy, and carefulness in managing work priorities
- Is comfortable producing engaging written content for diverse audiences
- Has excellent communication and research skills, and is proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and G Suite
- Is interested in, and comfortable with, proofreading and editing creative writing
- Must be willing to do a wide range of administrative tasks, from research to data entry; has familiarity with spreadsheets
- Has an interest in the intersection of literature and justice
Duties
- Research, write, and edit content for Works of Justice blog
- Develop educational content for the Incarcerated Writers Bureau website, including information specific for literary, journalism, and publishing industry professionals
- Host and/or produce the Works of Justice podcast
- Implement strategies to increase audience engagement of the Works of Justice series
- Assist in the production and publishing of the PEN Prison Writing Awards Anthology, including such tasks as transcribing submissions, copyediting, and layout design.
- Update administrative handbooks for judging and conferring the annual PEN Prison Writing Awards
- Generate copy and graphics for online, on-site, and promotional materials pertaining to Break Out, the Incarcerated Writers Bureau, and other virtual and in-person engagements for the Prison and Justice Writing Program
- Administrative tasks that support the editorial and communications needs of PEN America’s Prison and Justice Writing Program, including subscriber emails, social media
- Opportunities for contributions as defined by intern interest and program needs
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter directly addressing specific requirements for the internship as outlined above, a resume, an unedited writing sample, and the contact information for three references. Please submit the entire application to Malcolm Tariq, mtariq@pen.org. One PDF is preferred. Please include the cycle you’re applying for, and your name as the subject of your email (for example, “Summer PJW Internship – Jane Doe”).No phone calls, please.
