Editorial Intern

~ Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters and citizens to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and to bring about positive change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. ~

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring the best and brightest who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with nine offices across the U.S.

Position Overview

The person in this position is responsible for assisting the editorial team through a range of tasks that support senior content producers in the commission, planning and production of print and multimedia content for Earthjustice. The editorial department works within the communications department to communicate Earthjustice's legal and advocacy work to a broad and diverse audience.

Interns have the opportunity to contribute to Earthjustice's blog and newsletter, with an online audience of more than 1.5 million supporters. They are also invited to pitch and write for Earthjustice Quarterly magazine, with a circulation of more than 80,000. Senior staff members work with interns to hone their interviewing, writing, reporting and fact-checking skills. Once the internship ends, interns often have the opportunity to continue working for Earthjustice on a contract basis.

This is a part-time internship that requires between 15 and 20 hours of work per week. Hours are flexible, but the intern must be in the office on Mondays for the weekly department check-in. We offer a $2,500 stipend for the semester.

Responsibilities & Essential Duties 

• Serve as a regular contributor to Earthjustice's print and electronic publications, including the magazine, blog, e-newsletter and website. 
• Assist the editorial team in the production of Earthjustice Quarterly magazine. Specific duties include: conducting research in support of articles, sidebars and special projects; writing copy, captions and credits; and finding photos and graphics.
• Assist the editorial team in updating existing website content.
• Assist the editorial team in raising the profile of Earthjustice's multimedia content through online and social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube; tracking readership metrics; and promoting content to outside sources
• Participate in brainstorms with the entire Creative Team on the development of campaigns, initiatives and other storytelling projects. 

Qualifications 

Essential Skills & Abilities  

• Excellent command of vocabulary, spelling, grammar and writing essentials, including demonstrated experience writing compelling print and online stories.
• Able to hit the ground running with minimal training in how to write professionally.
• Critical thinker, highly competent at understanding, distilling and effectively communicating complex issues to a lay audience.
• Exceptional online research skills, especially in data collection, fact-checking and image searches.
• Meticulous attention to detail, including excellent proofreading skills.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage multiple assignments to meet publication deadlines with minimal supervisory oversight.
• Strong collaborator, able to pitch ideas and provide regular project updates to cross-functional peers.
• Willingness to seek appropriate direction and guidance from supervisors when needed.
• Solid knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the confidence to interact effectively with all levels of management and staff.
• Professional, positive and approachable attitude. 

Education and/or Experience 

• We prefer applicants to be currently enrolled in college, but will make exceptions for qualified candidates.
• Applicants should be passionate about environmental issues and have exposure to previous communications work.
• A minimum of two years of college- or professional-level writing or editing experience is required.
• Applicants should have excellent writing, organizational and communication skills and be independent, motivated workers.
• A working knowledge of online research and MS Office programs is required. 

Physical Demands 

• Skill in operating various office equipment, such as a personal computer, copy machine and telephone system.
• Ability to perform routine bending, stooping, twisting and reaching. 
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for personnel so classified. 

Work Environment 

• Interns will work at Earthjustice headquarters in downtown San Francisco.
• They will be an important part of Earthjustice's Creative Team, a group of about 30 individuals with expertise in writing, editing, photography, video production, graphic design and social media marketing.
• The Creative Team is highly collaborative and values the input of staff at all levels of the organization, from interns to management. 

Compensation: We offer a $2,500 stipend for the semester.

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a thoughtful cover letter and a resume.
• No phone calls please.
• Bay Area applicants preferred.