The role of the Programs and Communications Department interns is all the more crucial as MEI’s reputation for expertise and balanced analysis on the Middle East steadily grows. The Department monitors the press, links MEI’s Adjunct Scholars with the media, facilitates speaking engagements on the Middle East across America, and more. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Research Projects

Interns will participate in a variety of research projects. They will research potential speakers for events and conferences. On occasion, they will help prepare briefing books for outreach trips to the region and conduct research on target outreach communities in the US as well as make initial phone and email inquiries when necessary. Some grant research may also be assigned.

2. Make Contacts

Liaise with Embassies, relevant US and foreign government departments, partner NGOs, and other groups in the Middle East and US for joint endeavors. Compile thematic contact lists for future events.

3. Social Media

Interns are responsible for keeping MEI’s social media — including Facebook and YouTube pages — current and up-to-date. Interns will occasionally use MEI’s Twitter feed to communicate information about upcoming events and/or publications.

4. Editing and Design

Interns will proofread various MEI publications, such as Policy Insights, Commentaries, MEI Bulletin, MEI’s Annual Report, the MEI Annual Conference Program, and other articles as needed. Interns will draft fliers for upcoming events and occasionally design templates for policy papers and mailings. Interns with graphic design backgrounds may assist in the creation of infographics and other interactive content for MEI’s website

5. Events

Events will be on political, economic, social, and cultural issues of relevance for timely MEI programs, which range from both off-the-record and televised lectures to public debates to major conferences and seminars both in Washington, DC and other cities.

Interns are responsible for the logistics surrounding MEI events. This will include tracking registrants via the MEI website; setting up for events; checking registrants in; recording video; handling Q&A; and writing event summaries. Interns will have ample opportunities to interact with our event speakers and Adjunct Scholars, MEI’s resident experts, during these events.

6. Write Reports, Press Releases, and Event Fliers

Attend non-MEI events on behalf of the Programs and Communications Department and share insights with staff. Attend quarterly Scholars' Breakfasts and take detailed notes for dissemination to MEI's Adjunct Scholars. Draft press releases and event fliers when needed.

7. Engage with the Media

Monitor media hits and track Scholar media appearances. Analyze data monthly. Maintain media and outreach contact database. Compile weekly newsletter with roundup of Scholar appearances and note from MEI President Ambassador Wendy Chamberlin.

8. Update Website

Interns will regularly post new content to MEI’s website, and are responsible for keeping dynamic content related to the Programs and Communications department up to date.

9. Assist Programs and Communications staff by answering phones and directing media inquiries.

Technical skills:

• Basic photography skills required. Will photograph MEI events for the web and various publications.
• Audio/Video skills strongly preferred. Will  assist in the recording of events and interviews for podcasts and transcription. Will edit videos of MEI events and upload to MEI’s YouTube channel
• InDesign, Photoshop, audio/video editing, and PowerPoint skills preferred.