Roots & Shoots Internship, National Office

Location: Arlington, Virginia
Status: Currently accepting applications

Roots & Shoots®, a program of the Jane Goodall Institute, seeks one full-time intern for our National Office. Founded by Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE and a group of Tanzanian students, the global Roots & Shoots program is about empowering young people to take action through service projects—creating positive change for people, animals and the environment.

Roots & Shoots interns assist the National Office staff with the day-to-day administration of the Roots & Shoots program, including member services, program marketing, website maintenance and outreach. There is a mixture of administrative work and program development, implementation and writing. These positions offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at a fast-growing nonprofit organization, as well as the opportunity to effect lasting change on an evolving program. Interns work closely with staff as part of a dynamic team of individuals who share a commitment to high-quality work.

Intern responsibilities include:

• First line of contact for general program information requests by phone, mail, email and fax (high volume of email correspondence)
• Coordinating the 2009 Roots & Shoots Day of Peace communications and photos with the National Office team, planning for 2010 Day of Peace
• Working with National Program Manager to research and prepare proposals to potential funders
• Writing content for Roots & Shoots newsletter, eNewsletter and website (approximately one piece of writing each month)
• Administering interactive, member-based website to ensure quality and usability
• Archiving news articles and images
• Reviewing and approving project reports received from members through the website
• Facilitating membership fulfillment through database maintenance
• Assisting in the design and implementation of the program's membership plan, as needed
• Interacting with the public and representing the program at events, as needed (potential for participation in Dr. Goodall’s lecture tour events)
• Providing phone coverage, on a rotating basis, to JGI's receptionist two days each week
• Potential for completing 1-2 long term projects based on intern's interests and program need
• Other duties as assigned

The successful candidates will possess:

• An interest in empowering youth to make a positive difference by offering in-office support to Roots & Shoots members and groups
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, grant writing experience a plus
• Strong computer skills and Internet savvy (Microsoft Office and prior database experience preferred)
• The ability and willingness to be flexible in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Initiative and ability to work both independently and cooperatively
• Volunteer and/or service learning experience preferred

Hours are full-time, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday (with flexibility). The position is unpaid, but academic credit can be arranged. Work will be based out of the JGI-USA in Arlington, Virginia (Ballston Metro).

Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

The Roots & Shoots National Office empowers interns to participate on many levels in a friendly, productive, team-based work environment.

Please send a cover letter, resume and short writing sample (3-5 pages) to Stephanie Keller at skeller@janegoodall.org. No phone calls, please.