Job Description

OVERVIEW

The Renew Democracy Initiative (RDI) is dedicated to creating a movement based on rational discourse and political liberalism, both of which have come under threat from across the political spectrum. Founded by a diverse, cross-partisan group of leaders, including former world chess champion Garry Kasparov; Senators Heidi Heitkamp and Bob Kerrey; and Pulitzer Prize winners Anne Applebaum and Bret Stephens, we are committed to data-driven decision-making and combatting the twin threats of far-left and far-right radicalism. Our Board and extended network give us unique credibility and a global perspective as we educate people about core liberal principles and empower them to prioritize these values in their civic behavior.

We have a small, tight-knit team, so interns will have the unique opportunity to work on high-level projects and partnerships and make a personal impact on American democracy. As a start-up organization, we have an “all hands on deck” approach, and interns should expect to play multiple roles, handling a mix of substantive and administrative responsibilities.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role will involve working on some combination of the below. Please review our existing videos and website to get a sense of what RDI videos and sound design are like.

• Driving video narratives with audio productions including music, sound design, and voiceover that fulfills RDI vision and overall aesthetic

• Mixing and mastering content that is structured with dialogue, music, and sound effects

• Organizing media remotely and structuring audio files coherently between video production teams

• Researching topics in relation to video productions in order to provide audio that is culturally relevant

• Compositing music for social media content which includes utilizing instrumentation across several musical genres

• Editing dialogue by removing noise, de-essing, de-plosive, and compressing all within the recommended LUFS for social media and following guidelines by Broadcast Level Standards and FCC Loudness regulations

• Offer insight on sonic branding that aligns with our mission and values

• Creatively strategizing ways to generate positive publicity for RDI content

• Assisting with the promotion of RDI video content

• Communicating effectively and with integrity with a remote team across multiple time zones

QUALIFICATIONS OF AN IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Exceptional undergraduates, graduate students, recent grads, or those with relevant work experience are encouraged to apply

• Knowledge of sound designing, mixing, and mastering is a must

• Knowledge of music composition, music theory, and orchestration is highly recommended; or, alternatively, knowledge of how to leverage audio libraries, samples, and stock music

• Experience editing with Adobe Audition/Premiere Pro is recommended

• Knowledge of audio encoding and optimization for multiple platform releases

• Flexibility in interpreting and implementing sound design and sound effects for videos

• Detail-oriented to a fault

• Strong belief in RDI’s mission and values 

• Experience thinking through effective distribution of video content is a plus

• Knowledge of graphic design is a plus

• Open-minded and willing to interact with those whom they may disagree with

• Social, articulate, and a self-starter unafraid to take initiative with minimal oversight

• Excellent communication skills

LOGISTICS & BENEFITS

• This is an unpaid, volunteer internship

• Academic Credit is offered upon school or departmental approval

• This internship lasts 4 months, concurrent with the Spring academic semester, and interns can choose to work either full time (40 hours/week) or part time (25+ hours/week)

• Hours are flexible and we are willing to work around your academic schedule

• An opportunity to work closely with senior organizational leadership, including the Executive Director, as well as access to members of the Board of Directors, and other individuals from RDI’s extended network

• A typical day could include spending a few hours working with the video team; sourcing audio clips, sound effects, and music; and collaborating with other audio interns

We are recruiting on a rolling basis. Please send a resume, brief cover letter (optional), and examples of your audio/creative work. Only complete applications will be reviewed. 

The Renew Democracy Initiative is an equal-opportunity employer.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.