Order Sons of Italy in America

The National Office of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) sponsors an internship program that gives students the opportunity to experience and perform in a working environment. Interns contribute to the daily functioning of OSIA, the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF), and the Commission for Social Justice (CSJ), the anti-defamation arm of OSIA.

As part-time staff assistants, interns lend support to communications, program management, and administrative duties. In this capacity, interns develop a working knowledge of internal business structure and protocol, as well as the vital relationships between an ethnic/non-profit/membership organization and other external organizations and individuals. Interns will come away with an extensive network of contacts and knowledge of non-profit and membership administration, special events planning and project coordination, public relations, advocacy, and Internet technology and communications strategies.

Interns are selected competitively. The National Office will accept intern applications as needed. Intern positions will be available in the fall semester, spring semester, and/or during the summer. The application deadline for the fall semester is September 1, for the spring semester is February 1, and for the summer term is June 1.

To request additional information, please write to Dona De Sanctis at: OSIA Internship Program, 219 E St., NE, Washington, DC 20002; fax (202) 546-8168; or email ddesanctis@osia.org.

Job Description

Position: Staff Intern

Supervisor: Managerial level staff person

Hours: Flexible. The National Office will work with student to accommodate class schedules and other part-time jobs. However, a consistent weekly schedule should be established and must occur during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Positions are available for a term of 10 to 15 weeks.

Credit/Salary: Intern positions may be held for credit, in accordance with the policies of the student's academic institution. A weekly stipend is provided regardless if internship is completed for credit. Stipend will vary depending on qualifications, experience, and hours worked per week.

Duties:

1.) Assist the Administrative Assistant and Office Manager in the management of various membership databases and other administrative tasks.

2.) Assist staff members with telephone reception, mailing production, correspondence, filing, research, writing, and other general and communications tasks.

3.) Assist with compilation and maintenance of mailing lists and databases.

4.) Assist staff members with the coordination of the National Leadership Grant Competition (NLGC), including but not limited to correspondence, mailings, and filing/organizing applications.

5.) Assist with Web site-related projects.

6.) Assist National Executive Director with planning and coordination of meetings, conferences, special events, and conventions.

Requirements

The OSIA National Office accepts interns selectively on an as-needed basis. Applicants should possess excellent writing and verbal communications skills, research skills, and basic typing skills. Some computer knowledge is necessary, including word processing and basic Internet skills. Desktop publishing and database management a plus, but not required.

Candidate should be highly motivated, and demonstrate a professional demeanor and a strong desire to learn about the many facets of a non-profit and membership association. Interest in Italian-American issues and culture a plus, but not required.

Students majoring in journalism, communications, public relations, public affairs, business, political science, government, and related fields are encouraged to apply.

College students in their second year of school or higher are eligible. Internship may be done for credit. Arrangements must be made between OSIA and academic institution regarding that institution's policies, course requirements, and grading procedures.

Application Process

Interested students should submit résumé and a one-page cover letter explaining why an internship with OSIA is desired. Send by deadline to: Dona De Sanctis, OSIA Internship Program, 219 E St., NE, Washington, DC 20002. Qualified students will be contacted for an interview.