Please download the Research Assistant application form and complete as part of your application.

We are seeking a research assistant/intern to work with our President and CEO, and other senior staff to assist in Research and Admin tasks. The candidate should be a talented college student who would combine part-time hours at Sister Cities International with their studies and with other activities. A research assistant typically works 10-30 hours a week. (The number of hours can be adjusted accordingly to fulfill academic requirements).

The research assistant may do this internship for academic credit. Sister Cities International is willing to coordinate with each student and school in filling out the necessary paperwork. Students are encouraged to apply for independent grants or scholarships through their schools or outside sources to financially support them during their internship appointment. The candidate is eligible for a $500 stipend upon completing 90 days with the organization.

Essential Job Functions

This research assistant will have the unique opportunity to work directly with Sister Cities International’s President and CEO, examining issues of contemporary public policy and citizen diplomacy.  The research assistant will spend much of their time searching for information, using online academic databases or other publications. They will perform other duties, as well, such as proofreading; editing; critiquing; checking references; compiling bibliographies; writing literature reviews; summarizing research materials; locating inter-library loan materials; and helping with software or presentational tasks. The Research Intern is also expected to help with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, flagging and responding to important communications, and maintaining SCI’s Salesforce database. Consequently, a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to work with a minimum of supervision are strong assets. Foreign language skills are useful, but are not required.

Eligibility

Applicants must have at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent from a non-U.S. institution. Furthermore, applicants must be current students, recent graduates (within one calendar year), and/or have been accepted to enter an advanced degree program (within the next year). Most interns are at least seniors in the undergraduate level, though strongly qualified juniors (at the time of application) will be considered. Graduate students are also strongly encouraged to apply.

International students studying in the U.S. are eligible, but they must hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and appropriate work authorization especially if they are receiving compensation for the internship. All international students must obtain written permission from their Designated School Official or Responsible Officer for visas at their university stating that they are in valid immigration status and eligible to do an internship at Sister Cities International.

Qualifications

• Previous experience with content management systems, social media, and strong event organization skills is highly desirable.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills; attention to detail; and determination to meet deadlines.
• Computer literacy with strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• A demonstrated history of research and face-to-face and phone interactions.

Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Process

To apply, applicants will need to submit ONE COMPLETE application package to our Internship Coordinator by mail or email. Mailed applications are preferred. A hard copy will ensure that there are no technical difficulties when opening electronic files. The application materials include:

• A completed RA application form
• Cover Letter (indicating academic interests or areas of interest)
• Current Resume (indicating relevant coursework)
• 2 letters of recommendation (do not have to be sealed by referees/recommenders); if they prefer to seal the letter, then they can sign across the seal and give the letter to the applicant to include in his or her application package; highlighting the applicant’s writing, research, and/or language skills would be useful

The Communications/Marketing intern will assist the Communications Manager on various communications projects and become an integral part of the Sister Cities International team.

Duties include member and media research, blog writing, editing, public relations, social media, email marketing, press pitching, embassy outreach, and website management. Applicants should have an academic background or previous experience in communications, marketing, social media public relations, research, writing, and/or international affairs/diplomacy.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist with strategy and implementation of Sister Cities International’s communications campaigns.
• Plan, create, and post regular written, visual, and video content for organization’s social media channels.
• Archive and categorize media articles daily and gather news clips for weekly circulation.
• Write and edit content for newsletters, blog, social media, and other digital outreach.
• Log, edit, write, and publish “Member Stories” every week.
• Support Communications Manager with event-related tasks such as marketing, material creation, and event registration.
• Research media outlets, create press lists, and draft press releases and media advisories.
• Spearhead outreach efforts to press and partner organizations.
• Upload content to the Sister Cities International website.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student. Recent graduates will also be considered.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong ability to shift writing voice for organization without straying from brand.
• Previous internship experience in writing, research, media, marketing and/or social media preferred.
• Ability to conduct quality research and effectively report on findings.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and desire to take initiative on assigned projects.
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop and InDesign preferred.
• Experience with video editing preferred.
• Experience in customer service a plus.

Learning Objectives

• Intern will network and establish professional contacts by attending events and client meetings.
• Intern will learn how to track media by using media tracking programs.
• Intern will create engaging copy with the aim of increasing awareness of SCI and its mission by creating media campaigns with the Communications Manager.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@sistercities.org with their first and last name and the name of the internship in the subject line (ex: John Doe Communications). Weekly schedule as well as start/end dates are flexible. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.

International students studying in the U.S. are eligible, but they must hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and appropriate work authorization especially if they are receiving compensation for the internship. All international students must obtain written permission from their Designated School Official or Responsible Officer for visas at their university stating that they are in valid immigration status and eligible to do an internship at Sister Cities International.

Sister Cities International is NOT able to sponsor visas for interns. If you are an international student not already studying in the U.S. on a F-1 or J-1 visa, then you have to go through a university exchange program or an outside organization (internship placement agency) that will sponsor your visa.

Sister Cities International’s Membership Department serves three major functions. The department is responsible for membership recruitment and retention, identifying and nurturing sister city community partnerships, and providing general customer service to the membership. The department is the first point of contact for our members and therefore maintains working knowledge of all programs within the organization.

These interns work with the Membership department on day-to-day operations, including research and recruitment of members, identifying possible city-to-city partnerships, preparation for meetings with visiting international delegations, responding to members, and special projects depending on the skills and desires of the intern. These interns may be asked to assist with meetings with member communities throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia depending on the intern’s availability. Largely, these interns will assist in membership management and outreach, Salesforce transition, and attracting new members.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct research for recruitment and retention campaigns
• Prepare materials and information for upcoming meetings and conferences
• Website and Database management
• Receive international delegations to the Sister Cities International Office
• Assist with the Cities Connection Marketplace program via research and correspondence
• Assist international communities as they consider American partnerships
• Research and compose member related content for website
• Correspond with current and potential members
• Other administrative tasks as directed
• A special project may be developed based on the interest of the intern

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled, full/part time student in an undergraduate or graduate program. Recent graduates will also be considere
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Customer service experience
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, and fluency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Close attention to detail is required
• Experience living or working abroad and fluency in a second language preferred, but not required
• Sense of humor
•  

Application Process

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@sistercities.org with their first and last name and the name of the internship in the subject line (ex: John Doe Membership). Weekly schedule as well as start/end dates are flexible. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.

International students studying in the U.S. are eligible, but they must hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and appropriate work authorization especially if they are receiving compensation for the internship. All international students must obtain written permission from their Designated School Official or Responsible Officer for visas at their university stating that they are in valid immigration status and eligible to do an internship at Sister Cities International.

Sister Cities International is NOT able to sponsor visas for interns. If you are an international student not already studying in the U.S. on a F-1 or J-1 visa, then you have to go through a university exchange program or an outside organization (internship placement agency) that will sponsor your visa.

Sister Cities International runs three major youth programs which include the J-1 High School Homestay Exchange (HSHS), the Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS), and the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS).

The Youth Programs Intern reports to the Membership Manager for Youth Programs and works on aspects of all three of these programs including resource development, research and marketing. S/He will assist the Membership Manager for Youth Programs in developing content for the annual Youth Leadership Summit, along with managing applications and answering questions from members regarding the HSHS program,and organizing the YAAS submissions and judging.

Essential Job Functions

• Prepare handouts and other materials for the three youth programs
• Assist with preparations and programming for the Youth Leadership Summit and Young Artists and Authors Showcase
• Manage various member inquiries regarding the organization’s youth programs
• Research youth programs at the local level for best practice guidance
• File and organize applications for the HSHS and YAAS
• Other administrative tasks as directed
• A special project may be developed based on the interests of the intern

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled, full/part time student in an undergraduate program
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Customer service experience
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and fluency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to multi-task
• Close attention to detail is required

 Application Process

To apply, interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@sistercities.org with their first and last name and the name of the internship in the subject line (ex: John Doe Youth). Weekly schedule as well as start/end dates are flexible. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.

International students studying in the U.S. are eligible, but they must hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and appropriate work authorization especially if they are receiving compensation for the internship. All international students must obtain written permission from their Designated School Official or Responsible Officer for visas at their university stating that they are in valid immigration status and eligible to do an internship at Sister Cities International.

Sister Cities International is NOT able to sponsor visas for interns. If you are an international student not already studying in the U.S. on a F-1 or J-1 visa, then you have to go through a university exchange program or an outside organization (internship placement agency) that will sponsor your visa.

Sister Cities International runs three major youth programs which include the J-1 High School Homestay Exchange (HSHS), the Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS), and the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS).

The Youth Programs Intern reports to the Membership Manager for Youth Programs and works on aspects of all three of these programs including resource development, research and marketing. S/He will assist the Membership Manager for Youth Programs in developing content for the annual Youth Leadership Summit, along with managing applications and answering questions from members regarding the HSHS program,and organizing the YAAS submissions and judging.

Essential Job Functions

• Prepare handouts and other materials for the three youth programs
• Assist with preparations and programming for the Youth Leadership Summit and Young Artists and Authors Showcase
• Manage various member inquiries regarding the organization’s youth programs
• Research youth programs at the local level for best practice guidance
• File and organize applications for the HSHS and YAAS
• Other administrative tasks as directed
• A special project may be developed based on the interests of the intern

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled, full/part time student in an undergraduate program
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Customer service experience
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and fluency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to multi-task
• Close attention to detail is required

 Application Process

To apply, interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@sistercities.org with their first and last name and the name of the internship in the subject line (ex: John Doe Youth). Weekly schedule as well as start/end dates are flexible. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.

International students studying in the U.S. are eligible, but they must hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and appropriate work authorization especially if they are receiving compensation for the internship. All international students must obtain written permission from their Designated School Official or Responsible Officer for visas at their university stating that they are in valid immigration status and eligible to do an internship at Sister Cities International.

Sister Cities International is NOT able to sponsor visas for interns. If you are an international student not already studying in the U.S. on a F-1 or J-1 visa, then you have to go through a university exchange program or an outside organization (internship placement agency) that will sponsor your visa.

Position Summary:

The Development intern will assist the Advancement and Events Director in a variety of projects focused on resource and fund development. Applicants should have an interest in fundraising, research and proposal writing.  Previous experience in fundraising (whether as a volunteer or paid) is welcomed.

We are in need of organized individuals with a warm, energetic, and professional demeanor who are extremely customer service oriented from start to finish. Displaying a positive attitude towards internal staff and members, willingness to help, strong interpersonal skills, exceptional attention to detail, excellent communication skills, superb time management skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team are all necessary to be successful in this internship. Travel may be required for on-site support.

Responsibilities:

• Research corporations, foundations, and other funding opportunities
• Draft letters, donor correspondences, and other communications
• Assist in office communication
• Assist with data entry of donor information
• Have experience using Salesforce or a willingness to learn
• Other duties as assigned

Skills, Abilities & Experience:

• Knowledge of various RFP processes and proposal development and writing is welcomed
• Must be able to work independently
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Ability to conduct quality research and effectively report on findings
• Ability to multi-task and pay close attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Career & Learning Objectives:

• Nonprofit fundraising
• Cause Marketing
• Nonprofit Budgeting & Expense tracking
• Donor relationship management
• Moves Management
• Proposal/Grant Writing

Stipend:
Upon completion of a 3 month term, the conference and events intern will receive a $500 stipend.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@sistercities.org with their first and last name and the name of the internship in the subject line (ex: John Doe Development). Weekly schedule as well as start/end dates are flexible. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.