Internships

Job Title: Intern
Location: Washington, DC
Dates: Now taking applications for Fall 2010 (August-December), Spring 2011 (January-May), and Summer 2011; exact dates are flexible

What is the Future of Music Coalition?
Future of Music Coalition is a national non-profit education, research and advocacy organization that identifies, examines, interprets and translates the challenging issues at the intersection of music, law, technology and policy. FMC achieves this through continuous interaction with its primary constituency - musicians - and in collaboration with other creator/citizen groups.

FMC works toward its mission through three program areas: Research, Education and Policy. We organize public discussion of issues that impact musicians and the public at large, making sure to include a variety of voices in the conversation. We submit testimony, publish articles and speak on panels to make sure the creators’ experience is heard. We generate original research to more completely illuminate the mechanics of the music industry.

The best way to learn about FMC is to explore our website www.futureofmusic.org

What do interns do at FMC?
There are currently three internships at FMC.

The Intern to the Communications Director will work closely with FMC Communications Director Casey Rae-Hunter to assist in the marketing, promotion and logistics of FMC’s campaigns and events; which often includes copyediting, assisting with the maintenance of social media, light html coding, researching new press avenues and drafting the occasional blog post.

The Intern to the Events Organizer will work closely with FMC Events Organizer Chhaya Kapadia assisting with the logistics of FMC’s campaigns and events; which often includes editing video and audio for archives/YouTube/special projects, marketing and promotion, assisting with event-related data management, and researching panelists/sponsors/services.

The Intern to the Executive Director will work closely with FMC ED Lissa Rosenthal as she oversees many aspects of our work. Ideal candidates will be well organized, personable and very interested not only in the issues that FMC tackles, but also in gaining experience in the field of not for profit management, cause related marketing and fundraising.

Everyone is expected to participate with the basic work that keeps our office going like filing/copying/faxing as needed in addition to his or her specific focus.

FMC is a fast-paced but friendly work environment. Since some of our employees work from different cities, we rely heavily on email, conference calls and meetings to get our work done. Answering your email promptly, following through on assigned tasks to completion and sticking to deadlines will be essential.

What are the specifics?
These positions will work with a member of FMC’s core staff in the FMC office in downtown Washington, DC (Near the Farragut North/Farragut West Metro stations).

The hours are flexible, but we would like you to be in the office at least 15-20 hours per week sometime during 10 am - 6 pm on weekdays.

What are you looking for in an intern?
From music industry majors to working musicians - our most successful interns have been outgoing people with some relationship to, and passion for, the music industry. In addition, we look for the usual stuff: excellent reading/writing skills, attention to detail and working knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Internet skills are required. Experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, podcasting or webcasting experience, and audio or video editing skills are preferred but not required. Knowledge of current events and/or policy issues that relate to the music industry are helpful, as is any other experience working in a not for profit office environment.

Is there any compensation?
This is an unpaid internship, but opportunities to attend concerts, meetings, and hearings can occur. Also, we typically have an intern bookclub in which the staff and interns read a book of topical relevance to the work we do at FMC and meet to discuss it. College credit is optional.

How do I apply?
Please send the following to nicole [at] futureofmusic [dot] org

• cover letter
• resume
• list of software proficiencies
• writing sample

Please make a note of which internship(s) and for what semester you are applying for in your cover letter. Writing samples should be similar to the type of writing found on our website such as the FutureBlog posts or the academic papers we have published, and not longer than three pages.  Due to the quality and volume of applicants, incomplete applications will not be considered.

We are now accepting applications for the next 3 semesters (dates are flexible). Internships are staffed a semester at a time. Please make a note of your availability in your cover letter.