Social Innovation Forum Full Year Intern

Term: July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014

Who We Are:

Root Cause is a nonprofit research and consulting firm that partners with nonprofits, philanthropy, government, and business to advance solutions to today's toughest social issues.

Root Cause's Social Innovation Forum brings nonprofits, philanthropy, government, and businesstogether to support the spread of emerging social innovations in Greater Boston. The Social Innovation Forum provides promising local nonprofit leaders with opportunities to build the capacity of their organizations. It also introduces these Social Innovators to a community of leaders from philanthropy, government, and business who are committed to offering their own skills, networks, and resources. Since its founding in 2003, the Social Innovation Forum has directed more than $10 million in cash and in-kind services to 59 Social Innovators.

About the Position:

The Social Innovation Forum is seeking a full-time Intern to join its Boston office, a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment. The Intern will have the unique opportunity to interact with social innovators, business leaders, philanthropists and a range of other partners in the local innovation field. This position offers the chance to take on meaningful, varied projects and to further one's professional development through organized skills training sessions and the work itself. The Intern's tasks will include planning and handling logistics for Social Innovation Forum meetings and events, creating and distributing print and email marketing materials, and creating and updating web and social media content. Additionally, the Intern will be involved in development tasks that include grant research, grant writing, and relationship-building with funders and other major stakeholders. He/she will work closely with the Social Innovation Forum Program Coordinator, Manager, and Director, as well as Root Cause's business development department.

What We are Looking For:

For this role, we are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented team member to coordinate the recruitment and selection of our 2014 Social Innovators in the fall, support those Social Innovators throughout the spring, and provide general operating support for the Social Innovation Forum team, including development. The Intern will conduct grant research, write grants and keep close track of them, and solicit sponsorships for major events. During the spring season in particular, the Intern will plan and execute a wide range of events. He/she will also coordinate the 2014 Social Innovators' working sessions with consultants, executive coaches, and in-kind partners. Depending on the Intern's interests and skill set, he/she may also be able to take on some high-level web/social media, marketing, and database management projects.

Responsibilities:

• Read and evaluate applications of 100+ local nonprofits
• Create and distribute evaluation materials to our expert evaluators and interviewers
• Coordinate the logistics of the Social Innovation Forum's fall meetings and events, such as information sessions for applicants, evaluation meetings, and interviews
• Assist with the planning of the Social Innovation Forum's winter reception, the event at which we announce the 2014 Social Innovators
• Organize the "Social Issue Talks" series of issue-focused breakfast and lunch events during the month of March
• Assist with the planning of the Social Innovation Forum's biggest event – the Social Innovator Showcase – which draws a crowd of 300+ businesspeople, foundation representatives, individual philanthropists, and others interested in social innovation
• Manage RSVPs and the production of print and electronic materials for all events
• Create and distribute materials to consultants, executive coaches, and other in-kind partners
• Schedule working sessions and conference calls among 2014 Social Innovators, consultants, and coaches
• Write, submit, and track all manner of grant proposals, interim reports, and final reports
• Research potential funding sources for the Social Innovation Forum
• Work closely with the Social Innovation Forum Director to solicit sponsorships for major events
• Track the Social Innovation Forum's expenses, donations, and received payments
• Write and edit email newsletters and web content
• Perform other administrative support tasks as needed

Skills & Experience:

• Strong writing and communication skills, including excellent phone manner
• Flexibility with regard to priorities and deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Self-motivation and self-directedness
• Ability to manage multiple projects/tasks efficiently
• Solid technical skills and willingness to learn new web tools and computer programs
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Desire to learn and grow as a team member in a dynamic organization
• Experience with HTML, Salesforce, VerticalResponse, and/or Drupal is a plus

COMPENSATION:

The Intern will be eligible for $250/month + T pass to cover travel or other personal expenses incurred for the duration of his/her term as a Intern.

Working at Root Cause affords significant opportunities for professional growth and development. Interns will be invited and encouraged to participate in staff meetings as well as a number of internal and external events. Root Cause organizes a comprehensive training program for all Interns that includes skill development workshops, sessions on Root Cause's various departments, and case studies on different social issues. We are eager to help Interns craft projects that help meet their education and career goals.

TRANSPORTATION:

Root Cause is centrally located in Boston, near the Downtown Crossing (Red and Orange Lines) and Chinatown (Orange Line) T Stations. It is also a short walk from Boston Common and the Boylston (Green Line) T Station.