Development Intern

Organization Description

Free the Slaves (FTS) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to ending modern slavery worldwide. Founded in 2000, FTS partners with grassroots organizations in six countries to free people from slavery, help them rebuild their lives, and do what it takes to end slavery in their communities. Current partners include local anti-slavery organizations in Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Brazil, India and Nepal. Informed by on-the-ground work and in-depth research, we then bring real-world solutions to policymakers and business leaders in the areas of policy, research, slave-free trade and communications, engage in high-profile advocacy campaigns on the federal and international level, and share compelling stories that inspire individuals to act and to build a global movement against slavery. FTS is headquartered in Washington DC.

Internship Program Description

The Free the Slaves internship program is a formal effort to develop and train future leaders of the anti-slavery movement. We seek to provide each participant with training and hands-on experience in various facets of anti-slavery work. The program operates out of the Washington, DC office of Free the Slaves on a semester system, with three sessions per year: Spring (January to May), Summer (June to August), and Fall (September to December). Participants are expected to participate in an orientation session at the beginning of each semester.

Internships are unpaid but students are often able to arrange academic credit, as Free the Slaves internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by FTS staff, interaction with other U.S. and international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to federal and international anti-slavery advocacy. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.

Development Internship

The Development Intern will work closely with the Development and Communications teams to support our national and international fundraising and movement-building efforts worldwide.

Tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

• maintain and expand FTS's online presence on social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• research new individual, foundation, and government funding opportunities
• assist in communications with major funders
• edit, compile, and write grant reports and proposals
• write blog posts and other updates
• participate in fundraising strategy sessions
• assist in event planning

All interns will assist in answering the phones and other administrative and support duties as assigned.

Applicant Requirements

• All applicants must be either currently enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, an accredited college or university as a degree-seeking student.

• Successful applicants will have a demonstrated history of excellence in their studies and will be pursuing a bachelor's or advanced degree (or will have recently received one)
• Successful candidates will also have a demonstrated history of interest and/or involvement in anti-slavery or human rights movements.
• Applicants much have excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as strong skills with MS Office. Experience with graphic or web design is a plus.
• Applicants must be fluent in English, both written and orally. Additional language skills may be an advantage.
• Applicants should work well both independently and as a part of a team. Successful candidates will demonstrate a history of accepting direction, taking initiative, and working well with both supervisors and peers.