RSF USA Spring 2025 Internship

Reporters Without Borders/Reporters sans frontières (RSF), the world’s largest organization devoted to the safety, pluralism, and independence of journalism, is seeking an intern for its Washington, DC office (RSF USA) during Spring 2025.

About RSF USA

RSF USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with RSF, which has headquarters in Paris, France. RSF USA oversees press freedom in the United States, Canada, and English-speaking Caribbean countries and uses its position in Washington, DC to advocate for RSF’s global priorities.

Role Description

The Spring 2025 internship is ideal for current undergraduate students or recent college graduates in Washington, DC who are interested in learning about working in an international NGO or a nonprofit. RSF USA interns contribute to all facets of our work, including advocacy, communications, and fundraising. There may also be flexibility to tailor the interns’ activities to match their background or the practical experience they hope to gain. Specific responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Advocacy:

• Join advocacy meetings with Congressional representatives, federal government officials, and NGO partner organizations
• Research legislation, court cases, and global press freedom movements
• Identify potential partners and champions of RSF USA’s work within the government and learn best practices for building successful coalitions
• Monitor congressional hearings
• Assist in launching US State Press Freedom Index project

Communications:

• Support the drafting of op-eds, press releases, social media posts, and other written collateral
• Monitor current events related to press freedom on a daily basis
• Maintain a list of press contacts
• Pitch stories and maintain relationships with reporters
• Attend and/or contribute to the planning and execution of press freedom-related events

Fundraising:

• Research prospective major donors and foundations
• Track and acknowledge incoming donations
• Draft and edit correspondence related to RSF USA activities, including fundraising emails
• Draft and edit grant LOIs, proposals, and reports
• Provide special event support as needed

Logistics

We will consider applications for part-time (minimum 20 hours per week) interns for the Spring 2025 term between January to May. This role operates in a hybrid office environment in Washington, DC, and requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer, and scanner. Interns will be expected to work in-person 2 times per week. In addition, they are entitled to a monthly stipend of $600.

Applicant Qualifications:

• Excellent communication (written and verbal)
• Detail-oriented
• Proactive
• Reliable
• Strong time management
• Interested in press freedom, international human rights, journalism and/or mission-driven nonprofits
• Media literate and an avid news consumer
• Enrolled in college or recently graduated
• Residing in Washington, DC during the Spring 2025 term
• Native-level English proficiency
• French language skills not required, but a plus

Application Instructions

RSF USA welcomes current undergraduate students or recent college graduates that meet the qualifications to apply for this opportunity. It is important to note that we do not recommend that current postgraduate students or recent postgraduates apply. Those interested in applying should submit their application via email or Handshake. For email, please submit a: 1) resume, 2) cover letter, 3) two references, and 4) anticipated weekly availability for this upcoming spring to RSF USA’s Development Manager, Elysia Duncan, at eduncan@rsf.org, with the subject line “Intern Application – Spring 2025.” For Handshake, please submit a: 1) resume and 2) cover letter that includes two references and anticipated weekly availability this upcoming spring. Please only apply through one platform, either email or Handshake, and submit requested documents as PDF copies. All applications must be submitted by September 22, 2024 to be considered for this opportunity.

Reporters Without Borders is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, caste, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.