Position: Summer Interns (2 positions: 1 Research, 1 Communications)

Status and Location: Part-time, Washington, D.C. (hybrid)

Reports to: Director of Research or Senior Communications Associate

FLSA Salary Classification: Non-exempt

Wage: $20/hour

Position Summary:

Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) seeks two outstanding undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in accredited college/university programs for its summer 2024 internship opportunities. These are hybrid positions working from PRRI’s office in Washington, D.C. Interns aid in all aspects of the research or communications process. Research interns will assist in developing survey questionnaires, data analysis, and the production of research reports. Communication interns help promote PRRI research and increase brand recognition by assisting with digital content creation, including drafting daily and monthly email newsletters, media monitoring, and more. These are paid internships for a maximum of 20 hours per week and may qualify for course credit, depending on the candidate’s institution.

Responsibilities:

Research Intern:

Participate in all research team projects and activities, including team meetings

Assist with background research and drafting sections of major survey reports

Learn how to conduct survey data analysis, reduce survey deliverables including toplines, banners, and responses to media requests

Assist with number-check all deliverables, Brainstorming and contributing to blog posts for PRRI website on topics of interest within PRRI’s major research areas (e.g., religious, racial, and ethnic pluralism; racial justice and white supremacy; immigration and migration studies; LGBTQ rights, and reproductive health and rights)

Other research related duties as assigned

Communications Intern:

Monitor press coverage and assist in recording all media mentions in an internal database

Draft, edit and format portions of content for email newsletters, social media, and other digital communications products designed to inform and engage PRRI’s target audiences

Assist with various short research and writing projects, and with online and/or in-person events

Attend internal meetings of the Communications team and across teams

Other duties in support of the Communications, Research, or Operations teams

Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree in political science, religious studies, psychology, journalism, communications, or related field

For undergraduate applicants, students in their junior or senior year preferred

Interest in religion, politics, and policy issues

Strong communication skills and detail-oriented

Ability to learn quickly, work both independently and with a team, and manage time well

Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Proficiency in Stata or related statistical package is required (Research intern)

Experience with proofreading and copyediting (Communications intern)

Benefits:

Paid internship with a professional and friendly nonprofit team

Learn to read, interpret, and write about survey data and the survey research process

Acquire the skills to analyze and apply statistical concepts to survey data

Attain a better understanding of the research process – including designing and conducting real-world survey research

Gain access to network connections and career mentoring

Internship Dates:

This is an internship for the Summer 2024 semester. Based on mutual agreement, the intern should be able to work a maximum of 20 hours per week for a minimum of 10 weeks (tentative start date May 20, 2024). Please indicate how many hours you want to work per week in your cover letter. Specific work hours and days in the office will be determined between the intern and their supervisor at the time of on-boarding.

Instructions for Applying:

Candidates should submit the following in Word or PDF format; applications that do not include each of the items below, including a cover letter, will not be considered. Please email required documents to careers@publicreligion.org.

Resume with name, contact information, and relevant coursework or experience (maximum one page)

Cover letter that addresses why you are interested and discusses any relevant coursework or experience (maximum one page)

Sample of a short (less than five pages) paper written by you that demonstrates an aptitude to synthesize a summary report on a particular topic (a paper you have written for a class is welcome)

One letter of reference from a professor at your institution (maximum 1 page)

The deadline to submit applications is April 12, 2024. If you will need course credit or specific arrangements with your institution, please note that in your cover letter.

About PRRI:

Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), founded in 2009, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to conducting independent research at the intersection of religion, culture, and politics. PRRI research explores and illuminates America’s changing cultural, religious, and political landscape. The organization’s mission is to help journalists, scholars, thought leaders, clergy, and the public better understand debates on public policy issues, and the important cultural and religious dynamics shaping American society and politics.

PRRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or team members because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability status, sexual orientation, or gender identity of an otherwise qualified individual, or membership in any other class protected by District of Columbia law. PRRI hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications for the job to be filled.