Careers and Internships
Development Internship
Schedule: 16-32 hrs/week, 12-14 week internship. Monday-Thursday only.
Approximate Start Date: January-May (Dates are flexible)
Compensation: Unpaid. Applicant can earn college credit.
Location: Washington, DC (2 blocks from the Takoma Metro Station on the red line.)
Deadline: Apply by November 30, 2009, but applicants will be considered on a rolling basis.
Organization: The Center for a New American Dream helps Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice. We work with individuals, institutions, communities, and businesses to conserve natural resources, counter the commercialization of our culture, and promote positive changes in the way goods are produced and consumed.
Description: The Development Internship offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to work closely with accomplished fundraising professionals in a national environmental non-profit. The responsibilities of the development intern include:
- Assisting in developing potential donors by conducting research on foundations and major donors;
- Drafting development materials;
- Assisting with our spring fundraising campaign, including but not limited to mailings, recognition, and correspondence;
- Helping with general administrative work and other tasks as assigned.
The ideal candidate will work independently, be detail-oriented, and capable of taking initiative on specific projects. Successful applicants will also have a sense of humor and subscribe to our philosophy of "more fun, less stuff." Applicants who are looking to learn about fundraising and outreach techniques in the non-profit world are encouraged to apply. Experience working with databases a plus, but not required.
Supervisor: The Development Intern will report to Alexis Blackman.
How to Apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, and a 2-4 page writing sample to
with “Spring Development Internship” in the subject line. In addition to explaining why you’d like to work with New American Dream, please include the following in your cover letter:
- How much time you would like to commit each week
- What days and for how long you are available (one semester minimum)
Please note: NO PHONE CALLS. Please do not contact us regarding the status of your application – we will contact you if we would like to pursue next steps.
Responsible Purchasing Network Internship
Positions Available: 2 Responsible Purchasing Network Interns
Schedule: 16-32 hrs/week, 12-14 week internship, Monday – Thursday only
Approximate start date: January 4
Compensation: Unpaid. Applicant can earn college credit.
Location: Washington, DC (Takoma Metro Station)
Deadline: Apply by November 30, 2009, but applicants will be considered on a rolling basis.
RPN develops cutting edge strategies and resources to assist large institutions; including state and local governments, universities, and corporations, in purchasing socially and environmentally responsible products and services.
Interns will work with the RPN team in one or more of the following areas:
- Technology Engagement: Developing and updating the RPN website and database
- Tracking and reporting on news, new legislation, environmental blogs, etc…
- Research on environmentally preferable products.
- Membership coordination: Engaging RPN’s 200+ members
In your cover letter, please indicate which of the above tasks interests you most and explain why. Also indicate your availability during Spring 2010. Interns may also assist RPN staff with ongoing projects on an as-needed basis.
Supervisor: The Responsible Purchasing Network Intern(s) will report to Vincent Kitira, RPN Manager.
All applicants should have the following qualities:
- Interest in green products, sustainability issues and policymaking
- Solid organizational and time management skills
- Attention to detail
- Exceptional writing skills
- Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Word, Excel and Outlook
- Ability to work well as part of a team
Preferred applicants will have the following qualifications:
- Research experience, especially involving green products
- Knowledge of policymaking, sustainability issues, and/or green business strategies
- Previous web-editing experience
- Previous office work experience
The RPN Interns will be exposed to green purchasing from a variety of perspectives. Interns will have specific projects to complete over the semester and will learn a variety of professional skills in the process. Our ideal candidate will be passionate about advancing sustainability by promoting the use of environmentally preferable products.
Please send your cover letter and resume to
Please note: NO PHONE CALLS. Please do not contact us regarding the status of your application – we will contact you if we would like to pursue next steps.
Communications Internship
Schedule: 16-32 hrs/week, 12-14 week internship.
Approximate Start Date: January-May (Dates are flexible)
Compensation: Unpaid. Applicant can earn college credit.
Location: Washington, DC (2 blocks from the Takoma Metro Station on the red line.)
Deadline: Apply by November 30, 2009, but applicants will be considered on a rolling basis.
Description: The Communications Internship offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to have significant writing and materials development experience at a national environmental non-profit. The Communications Intern will work with the Home & Communities Director in the following areas:
- Prepare submissions for our biweekly e-newsletter and monthly advocacy alert
- Draft program publications
- Manage layout and design of documents
- Develop website content and update website
- Periodically provide blog or other social media content
- Assist with editing as needed
Required Qualifications:
- High degree of internet-literacy / technology competency
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented and capable of juggling multiple priorities
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Experience with publication design and production
- Ability to work well with a close-knit team and possess a good sense of humor
- Strong commitment to our mission
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver
Application instructions:
Please email a cover letter, resume, and a two page writing sample to with “Communications Internship” in the subject line.
In addition to explaining why you’d like to work with New American Dream, please include the following in your cover letter:
- How much time you are able to commit each week
- What days you are available, Monday-Thursday. Note that the New Dream office is closed on Fridays.