Interning at PEN Canada

PEN Canada is seeking volunteer interns for the fall term to assist with communications, outreach, events and programming initiatives.

The deadline to apply is Thursday September 4, 2025 at 5 p.m. EST.

About the role

interns will volunteer on a part-time basis (10-18 hours/week), with the work mostly done remotely
interns should be available mid-September until mid-December
interns must be available for a standing weekly 30 minute call with a member of staff
interns will assist with communications and outreach initiatives, which may include:
- drafting advocacy and campaign materials for imprisoned writers
- drafting and designing social media content related to PEN Canada’s events, history, community and programs
- populating website with content (training provided)
- creating outreach assets
- writing various materials, including interview questions, speaking notes, backgrounders, etc.
- on occasion, assisting with in-person PEN Canada workshops, talks and community events on weeknights or weekends in Toronto

Skills and tools that are an asset to have include:

Proficiency with WordPress, Canva, video editing software, and the Google Suite, including Google Sheets and Forms
Ability to write in different forms: creative writing, speech writing, interview prep, briefs/backgrounders, outreach materials, etc.
Have an understanding of — and eagerness to learn more about — literature, human rights, and free expression issues in Canada and around the world, including imprisoned writers, writers living in exile, and current expressive rights news stories
Be proactive, organized, creative, and a critical thinker

If interested in applying, please send an email to queries@pencanada.ca with the subject line “Interning at PEN Canada”. Include a brief introduction to yourself, along with:

your CV/resume
how many hours you want to volunteer and what days you’re generally available on
2-3 examples of previous work you’ve produced. These examples should demonstrate your ability to write in short or long form, think critically, or engage with community, and would ideally show your interest in literature, the humanities, human rights, free expression, or community building. This could include, but is not limited to, blogs you’ve written, photography from events you’ve organized, illustrations or designs you’ve made, previous social media work, or an essay, report or study you’ve written.