StrongMinds 2013 Executive Director Intern
Organization Profile: Mental Health Services for Low-Income Africans StrongMinds provides life-changing mental health services to low-income Africans using an innovative community-based approach. Individuals in Africa living with mental illness have very limited access to treatment and endure both social stigmatization and economic deprivation. Group Interpersonal Therapy (G-IPT) is a proven and low-cost intervention which provides the opportunity to treat mental illnesses in low-income communities at scale for the first time in history. With support, StrongMinds initially will target the mental illness of depression in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) using G-IPT. Our goal is to treat two million impoverished Africans by 2020. In the coming years, we will expand our services and treat additional mental illnesses in more countries. Position Overview StrongMinds seeks an energetic, detail-oriented intern with a belief in our mission and interest in international business to support our Executive Director. This position will provide a range of research, fundraising and administrative functions, working remotely and with a weekly in person meeting with the ED. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about global health topics and contribute to growing this dynamic organization.
Duties & Responsibilities • Conduct online research on foundations, institutions, government aid agencies, high net worth individuals, etc. to identify those which may be interested in funding/supporting StrongMinds' global mental health work. Initial focus is on the Democratic Republic of Congo. • Conduct online research on corporations (as above) with particular focus on pharmaceutical companies which have depression drugs on the market, as they may be interested in funding our work since we are creating demand for their products in the future (market development.) • Assist in writing funding proposals. While the ED will be responsible for writing the proposals, intern may be asked to assist in editing tasks. • Conduct online research on various global mental health topics as determined/needed by Executive Director (ED). Illustrative examples may include identifying leading mental illnesses in DR Congo or other countries, or identifying/locating research papers on mental health issues. Write brief reports on the global mental health topics as needed by the ED. • Support ED on various administrative tasks such as needed, to include coordinating meetings, assisting our COO with various administrative tasks, etc. • Other tasks as needed.
Qualifications • Enthusiastic about Africa and/or mental health and our overall mission. • Comfortable working independently. You are self-motivated and excel at project execution. • Your mental curiosity takes your research to new heights. • Passionate about writing and creating a perfect document. • Eager to learn more about mental health and international development. You've studied it, read about it, and now you are ready to get involved in a cutting edge organization.
Note: Every effort will be made to gain college credit for work at StrongMinds. Reports to: Executive Director who is based in Maplewood, NJ.
Contact: Please send a résumé and cover letter showcasing your writing skills and interest to Susan Ryan at sryan@strongminds.org mentioning ED Intern in the subject line.
