The role of the 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) Conduct Interviews

Interns will conduct interviews with guest speakers and MEI Adjunct Scholars for use in MEI publications.

2) Research Projects

Interns will participate in a variety of research projects. They will update and compile new country and issue profiles that require extensive library and Internet research and consultation with MEI scholars. 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.

3) Editing

All interns will proofread various MEI publications, such as Policy Briefs, Viewpoints, Encounters, MEI Bulletin, MEI’s Annual Report, the MEI Annual Conference Program, and other articles as needed.

4) Meet our Scholars

Interns will have ample opportunities to interact with our Adjunct Scholars, MEI’s resident experts. Interns will conduct interviews of Scholars and collaborate with Scholars during development of profiles and appropriate research projects.

5) Write Reports and Press Releases

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

6) Engage with the media

Monitor media hits and maintain tracking logs. Analyze data monthly. Maintain media and outreach contact database.

7) Assist 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/Visual skills strongly preferred. Will occasionally assist in the recording of events and interviews for podcasts and transcription.
• InDesign, Photoshop, audio editing, and PowerPoint skills preferred.