Summer Internship Program

~ Island Press is a nonprofit organization that communicates ideas essential to solving environmental problems. ~

Our books, products, and program activities help stimulate new ideas, educate professionals and the public, inspire environmental protection, and prepare the next generation of environmental leaders.

Internships Overview

We seek energetic and enthusiastic environmentalists for various intern positions in our Washington, DC headquarters. Ideal candidates will be detail-oriented with excellent organizational and computer skills and available 10-20 hours per week.

Check our website for the most up to date availability of internships. And, click here to read what past interns have to say about the internship experience at Island Press. 

Production Intern

The Production Department seeks a detailed-oriented individual eager to learn the production aspects of book publishing.

Intern will:

• Gain in-depth understanding of and experience in the book production process by helping the production team usher our environmental books through to the final product;
• Learn and become actively involved in the production process by preparing, coding, and trafficking manuscripts;
• Learn professional proofreading and typesetting markup by doing light proofreading and compiling text corrections;
• Become more familiar with the workings of a publishing house by attending staff meetings;
• Additionally, intern will gain a more comprehensive knowledge of the industry-standard Chicago Manual of style while carrying out the above duties;
• Learn the e-book creation process by preparing digital e-book PDF files; and
• Improve and develop general business skills by providing general administrative support for the production team.

Attributes & Skills: 

• Candidate must have basic computer skills and ability to multitask. 
• Familiarity with proofreading, copy editing, Chicago Manual of Style, Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite a plus.
• Individuals who want a great introduction to book publishing are ideal!

Sales & Marketing Intern

The Sales and Marketing Department seeks an intern to support the promotion and sales of Island Press books. The internship provides an understanding of how to successfully market and sell a product, as well as insight into the publishing industry.

Intern will:

• Learn how to identify new audiences through guided research; Learn how to effectively connect with various audiences by drafting targeted communications;
• Gain an understanding of the publishing marketplace by assisting with special sales and promotions;
• Gain experience organizing information by creating and maintaining spreadsheets; and
• Learn how to gather, present, and understand data by working with sales reports.

Intern Attributes & Skills:

• Candidates should be detail-oriented self-starters with an interest in publishing or marketing; and 
• Experience with Excel and database work is preferred.

Development Intern

The Development and Programs team is seeking an intern eager to learn more about nonprofit development and communications. The intern will work closely with the Development and Programs team assisting with fundraising and outreach strategies.

Intern will:

• Develop an understanding of fundraising by conducting research, creating prospect profiles, and recommending strong prospects to the team;
• Develop writing and editing skills while working with staff on external communications; and
• Learn how to establish and manage strong relationships with philanthropic supporters by participating in strategy and planning discussions.
• The position provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of a nonprofit organization and the environment.
• This internship is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, is able to handle many tasks at once, and can function well with minimal supervision.

Compensation & Benefits

• $60/week stipend
• Casual dress code
• Flexible scheduling (10-20 hours per week required)
• Employee discount of 50% on Island Press titles

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to send cover letter, résumé, and writing samples (as required) with subject "Island Press Summer 2014 Internship." No calls.