The Public Accountability Initiative (PAI) is seeking two research interns and one social media intern with a keen interest in developing muckraking skills and investigating networks of powerful individuals and institutions using online research and web tools.
The Public Accountability Initiative (PAI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational organization focused on corporate and government accountability. We specialize in investigative, public interest research on power and corruption at the intersection of business and government. PAI’s research has exposed major conflicts of interest, uncovered massive boondoggles, debunked sham industry-funded studies, and shone a light on how the powers that be shape policy around a range of issues at the local, state, and national level. Our research has been cited in numerous media outlets, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post. Our work has prompted investigations, scuttled rotten deals, and disrupted business as usual for the good old boys.
Our flagship website, LittleSis.org (the opposite of “Big Brother”), is a free, online database of who-knows-who at the heights of business and government. LittleSis is used by journalists, academics, and activists researching networks of power and influence.
The internship program revolves around investigative research projects powered by LittleSis.org. Interns will participate in ongoing research tasks, develop and pursue daily independent research projects, and contribute to PAI investigations.
Interns can expect to strengthen their research skills; master the use of advanced databases, data sets, and archives; deepen their analysis of breaking news stories and other media content; and develop an enhanced understanding of power and influence in American society.
Interns are required to commit at least 15 hours per week.
Research Internship Duties & Responsibilities
Master editing tools on LittleSis.org and contribute content to expand database.
Execute specialized research tasks on key power brokers and institutions.
Contribute research to ongoing PAI investigations.
Review daily news and produce daily content for social media platforms.
Research Intern Qualifications
Proven research, writing, and communication skills.
Strong interest in and knowledge of current events in business, finance, politics, and government.
Strong interest in social justice and open government.
Familiarity with online publishing platforms, online research databases, and Microsoft Excel
Mastery of Social media, Wikipedia, and other web 2.0 applications.
Research experience on issues related to power relationships between business and government a plus.
Social Media Intern Duties & Responsibilities
Set and achieve measurable goals for building social media presence.
Use social media to promote PAI/LittleSis website and blog.
Review daily news and work with research team to produce daily content.
Build and promote weekly “Power Breakfast” profiles.
Social Media Intern Qualifications
Excellent written communication skills with the ability to succinctly convey complex issues.
Strong understanding of, and affinity for, social media and social networking with the ability to efficiently research trends and best practices.
Ability to create content in the appropriate voice for the organization.
Strong interest in and knowledge of current events in business, finance, politics, and government.
Familiarity with online publishing platforms, online research databases, and Microsoft Excel
Research experience on issues related to power relationships between business and government a plus.
To apply, please send resume and cover letter to Gin Armstrong: jobs [AT] public-accountability [dot] org. Please indicate desired internship placement in the subject line of the email. This is an unpaid internship. Internships begin June, 2013. Exact dates are flexible.