Learning to Lead Internships - Independent Institute

Readings and other elements of personal and professional development are incorporated into the program to encourage interns to develop their skills and understanding of their work. Interns will also learn how to participate in and conduct on-camera interviews as a part of their training and are encouraged to participate in events and social gatherings hosted by the Independent Institute. All interns are encouraged to write original research or editorial pieces with a chance to be featured in Independent Institute publications.

Editorial & Acquisitions Internships

Interns in the Editorial and Acquisitions department assist in the review and assessment of scholarly manuscripts to be published as either policy reports or books. There will be an opportunity to learn how editors and publishers acquire and build a list of new publications and assess relationships between manuscripts and marketplaces. You will gain insight into the workings of the broader landscape of the scholarly book publishing industry. Applicants should have strong analytical skills with a background in journalism, writing, or editing.

• Assist in the assessment and evaluation of prospective authors and manuscripts
• Provide critical analysis and commentary for texts under consideration
• Work with authors to develop manuscripts before publication
• Learn and understand the role of scholarly publishing in a think tank setting
• Assist in completion of book translation projects
• Acquire professional editorial development skills

Development & Donor Relations Internships

Fundraising is crucial to the work of any public-policy institute. Development interns support our efforts to strengthen relationships with existing supporters and use innovative tools such as email and social media marketing to reach new ones. Applicants should be outgoing, show strong persuasive written and oral communication skills, and be able to work as part of a creative team committed to achieving results.

• Conduct research on prospective major donors and foundations and compile reports
• Use existing research knowledge to assist in customizing donor inquiries and proposals
• Explore and test fundraising approaches via social and new media
• Research best practices and recommend improvements for donor relations and development team
• Support daily development outreach efforts including donor meetings, mailings, calls
• Participate in donor or promotional meetings and events

Digital Marketing Internships

Digital Marketing interns work on a variety of sales, promotion, publicity, and social media projects in support of our mission to have a transformational impact on the culture. Applicants must be outgoing, organized, and enthusiastic about working with members of the media. Preferred applicants will have journalism, communications, and/or social media experience.

• Promote Independent Institute publications, events, and websites
• Investigate best practices and communicate the latest trends for digital publication solutions
• Research and sustain databases of target audience members and media sources
• Collect and catalog media and author communications
• Field news media requests and assist in scheduling print and radio interviews
• Create and distribute press materials and book review copies

Center on Entrepreneurial Innovation Research Internships

COEI Research interns support Independent Institute Fellows in conducting research for commentaries, reports, monographs, and books on technological innovation and the policy around it. Potential interns should be detail-oriented and possess strong research and communications skills. Ideal candidates will have experience conducting independent scholarly research and be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Conduct in-depth online and print research in support of supervising Fellow
• Draft footnotes, bibliographies, and other substantive materials
• Provide editorial feedback on articles before online and print publication
• Contribute your perspective to research conducted and published by the Institute

About the Independent Institute

THE INDEPENDENT INSTITUTE is a non-profit, non-partisan, public-policy research and educational organization that shapes ideas into profound and lasting impact through publications, conferences, and effective multi-media programs. Our mission is to boldly advance peaceful, prosperous, and free societies grounded in a commitment to human worth and dignity.

Applying independent thinking to issues that matter, we create transformational ideas for today’s most pressing social and economic challenges. By connecting these ideas with organizations and networks, we inspire action that can unleash an era of unparalleled human flourishing at home and around the globe.

Today, the influence of partisan interests is so pervasive that public-policy debate has become too politicized and is largely confined to a narrow reconsideration of existing policies. In order to fully understand the nature of public issues and possible solutions, the Institute’s program adheres to the highest standards of independent scholarly inquiry.