National Security Network

Winter/Spring 2015 Development & Fundraising Internship

The National Security Network (NSN) is currently accepting applications for the winter/spring 2015 Development and Fundraising internship. The internship will run from January to May 2015, with flexible start and end dates.

NSN is seeking a Development & Fundraising intern to work closely with the Director of Development and Outreach of a progressive national security and foreign policy think tank.

The internship provides a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of the policy, national security, and fundraising fields within Washington, DC. The intern will experience working on fundraising campaigns, writing appeal letters, event planning, donor prospecting and research while also gaining experience in office management, communications, and policy research. The intern will also have the opportunity to develop original marketing materials and manage their own development project. In lead up to NSN’s Annual Dinner in the summer of 2016, the intern will have a special opportunity to learn and refine event planning and management skills.

Responsibilities of the intern will include (but are not limited to):

• Assisting with event planning, including drafting designs and publicity materials, research, and working with vendors
• Managing a development and/or fundraising project
• Conducting prospect research on individual, foundation, and corporate donors
• Hands-on experience with the planning of organizational special events
• Drafting external donor communications including updates and appeals
• Creating marketing materials
• Assisting with press outreach and media analysis
• Updating and maintaining the website
• Providing administrative support to the staff

Beyond completing these responsibilities, NSN encourages interns to take their own initiative to research and write on a subject of their policy choice for publication.

Preferred Qualifications:

Undergraduate students (especially juniors and seniors), recent graduates and graduate students with a degree or anticipated degree in international relations, public policy or related field (political science, history, journalism, etc.) are encouraged to apply.

• Strong writing, editing, research, and intercommunication skills
• Prior development, outreach, and/or fundraising experience and an interest to expand development/ fundraising knowledge
• Experience developing original marketing materials
• Ability to perform donor, foundation, and corporate research thoroughly and timely
• Ability to work both independently and as part of team
• Flexibility to handle diverse tasks within tight deadlines
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, WordPress, Excel and development databases
• Ability to work in fast paced and dynamic environment with shifting and multiple priorities
• Knowledge of the Washington, DC think tank and national security communities

Candidates should be able to work a minimum of 30 hours per week. A strong preference will be given to applicants who can commit to a minimum of 4 full-time work days a week.

To apply:

To apply for the winter/spring Development & Fundraising internship with the NSN, please submit the following materials to Katie McBee at kmcbee@nsnetwork.org by Monday, December 1, 2014. The subject line should include your name and the internship and internship period for which you are applying.

• Cover letter, including your availability (hours per week and approximate start and end dates)
• Resume
• Short writing sample (2-3 pages)

The suggested deadline for the winter/spring 2015 internship class is Monday, December 1, 2014. Please note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and that we encourage candidates to submit their applications before the suggested deadline. Only those candidates selected for a phone interview will be contacted. Please note that all while all internship positions are unpaid, there is a unique opportunity to attend high-powered national security and networking events on the Hill and throughout Washington.