Campus Rights Assistant

This internship will be based in Philadelphia, PA and begin in the fall of 2024.

About FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought. Please visit www.thefire.org to gain a sense of our work and mission.

Position Description

FIRE is looking for passionate, team-oriented, and driven undergraduates (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) attending colleges and universities in the United States.

FIRE offers a fast-paced and exciting work environment. Working at the headquarters of a national nonprofit, the student will be immersed in the general functions of running the office while learning about civil liberties in higher education from professional free speech advocates.

FIRE is seeking an energetic undergraduate Campus Rights Assistant to aid its Campus Rights Advocacy department, Student Press Freedom Initiative, and Faculty Legal Defense Fund. The Campus Rights Assistant’s responsibilities will include:

• Performing day-to-day operations such as answering the phones, sending mail, and assisting with the general organization of the office.
• Conducting research on various topics concerning free speech on campus.
• Monitoring news and social media for emerging campus free speech issues.
• Assisting with communications by performing activities such as blogging and drafting social media posts.

FIRE provides many educational opportunities such as the opportunity to work with FIRE’s leadership and other experts on civil liberties in education. The Campus Rights Assistant will have a well-rounded experience that familiarizes the individual not only with FIRE’s activities, but also with the moral and intellectual foundations of FIRE’s work.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent computer skills (Mac) including knowledge of MS Office and the Google/Gmail platform.
• An understanding of and enthusiasm for FIRE’s mission.
• An interest in learning more about advocacy or legal work.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work independently.

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous administrative assistance or office management work experience. 
• Experience that demonstrates a strong commitment to FIRE’s mission.
• Previous experience working for a nonprofit.
• Strong copy editing skills.
• Student leadership experience.

FIRE’s office is located at 510 Walnut St, Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA, 19106. Commuters that live outside walking distance can easily access FIRE through SEPTA regional rail, subway, bus service, or PATCO rail service. Parking is also available in the area at a variety of lots and garages for between $15 and $30 a day.

The Campus Rights Assistant will work in a standard office environment. To perform job responsibilities, the Campus Rights Assistant will utilize personal computers, copy machines, and telephones. Some lifting of objects weighing up to 30 pounds may be required. On occasion, the Campus Rights Assistant may be asked to perform errands which will involve walking to places within the immediate vicinity of the FIRE office.

Students will be evaluated at regular intervals. Highly successful candidates may be invited back for future intern experiences or may be offered a part-time position, however, further employment is not guaranteed.