Call for Interns: Summer 2022

Mizna is seeking thoughtful candidates to apply for paid internship positions and assist with an array of compelling programming this summer.

Interns will be part of a small and dynamic team with the opportunity to gain skills in nonprofit governance and engage with critical conversations pertaining to cultural production, equity, social justice, and contemporary film, art, literature etc.

Interns should be locally based and will work in the office. All new staff members must provide proof of full vaccination OR must provide documentation of religious or medical exemptions to vaccination. We will consider interns who are not locally based but demonstrate a strong commitment to being part of the Mizna team.

Dates: June 1–August 31, 2022 (some flexibility in dates) 

Stipend:  $1000

Apply by May 17, 2022

Please note: Students planning to earn college credit through their internship may be required to submit their applications at an earlier date.

Development Intern

A Development Intern will support the Executive Director with all aspects of fundraising and administration. The intern will get hands-on experience with a wide variety of tasks related to nonprofit governance and will be part of a small, interactive, and efficient team. Applicants should be comfortable working at a fast pace on a mix of tasks. Additionally, the intern will have the opportunity to engage with ideas and issues that affect the organization, including equity, art direction, and social justice.

We are looking for an intern who has a strong interest in nonprofit fundraising and management, excels at communicating and organizing, and is dedicated to promoting SWANA cultural production in the Twin Cities and around the world.

Intern duties:

• Assist in grant proposal preparation.
• Organize and maintain office systems including donor databases.
• Coordinate interactions with donors and sponsors to cultivate increased contributions and grants, as well as maintaining files on donor history and correspondence.
• Assist in developing fundraising strategies/implementing fundraising campaigns.

Preferred skills:

• Strong interest in the nonprofit arts sector.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, ability to learn database systems.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work independently.

Film Intern

The Film Intern will have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of Mizna’s film programming, including the production of the Twin Cities Arab Film Festival, which is among the largest and longest running Arab Film Festivals in the country. Mizna also co-produces the Arab Film Fest Collab with the Arab American National Museum, Arab Film and Media Institute, and ArteEast, and programs a monthly film series at Trylon Cinema in Minneapolis. The intern will be part of the small and dynamic Mizna team, and they will have opportunity to engage with ideas and issues that affect the organization, including equity, art direction, and social justice.

We are looking for an intern who has a strong interest in film, excels at communicating and organizing the promotion of SWANA cultural production in the Twin Cities and beyond.

Intern Duties:

• Participate in viewing, discussing, and selecting films for our various programs.
• Assist in expanding the festival’s audience and reach through communications, public relations, and community outreach.
• Assist the film festival team and screening committee in various aspects of organizing content.
• Lead the pursuit of sponsorship and funding from local businesses and organizations.
• Assist with social media and web updates.
• Support Mizna film staff as needed.

Preferred skills:

• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Knowledge of and passion for contemporary film.
• Experience or interest in fundraising or sponsorship.
• Self-motivated and resourceful.
• Strong facility with standard computer software.

Additional Information

Both internships will be performed mainly in our office in St. Paul with masks, though we will continue to monitor the COVID safety situation and adjust as necessary. There will be occasional offsite projects. We will work with the intern to determine a weekly schedule that suits both parties. This internship pays a $1000 stipend for the summer. Students are encouraged to use the internship for academic credit .

Interns can expect to commit to weekly meetings, individual check-ins, and regular administrative, outreach, and programming responsibilities.

We are seeking thoughtful candidates to assist with an array of compelling programming. Candidates should have knowledge of contemporary SWANA culture and arts and must be interested in promoting it in the Twin Cities and beyond.  Preferred skills include excellent writing and communication skills, self-motivation and resourcefulness, adaptability and ability to assist with multiple projects congruently.

Mizna supports students working towards class credit in coordination with several Minnesota-based institutions.

Priority will be given to applicants located in the Twin Cities, but those located elsewhere will be also be considered.

Email mizna@mizna.org with questions or concerns.