The Internship Application for the Fall 2023 semester is now open. To begin the application process, please complete the form below.

Docs In Progress Internship Program

About Docs In Progress: Story Matters. Since 2004, Docs In Progress has been committed to our mission as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which gives individuals the tools to tell stories through documentary film to educate, inspire, and transform the way people view their world. 

Docs In Progress creates and fosters a supportive community for documentary filmmakers. By developing, encouraging, and celebrating new and diverse voices in documentary film, we also seek to deepen the public’s experience, understanding, and appreciation for documentary as a form of art and expression. We do this by offering an array of programs and services aimed at aspiring and experienced documentary filmmakers and the broader community. Visit http://www.docsinprogress.org for more information.

About the Internship: Interns will work closely beside our staff team on projects related to programming, marketing, and fundraising. Interns will learn the ins and outs of operating a non-profit focused on documentary filmmaking and community outreach. Docs in Progress is not a production house, so this is not a production internship. This internship is best suited for individuals interested in arts management, non-profit management, marketing, and community outreach. We do our best to match each individual intern's duties with their career interests and skill sets. So make sure to let us know your strong suits in your application! 

Dates: Late August - Early December. (Dates are flexible)

Location: Interns will report to the Docs In Progress office in Downtown Silver Spring, MD, just outside of Washington DC. Walking distance from the Silver Spring Metro Station. 

Schedule: The Intern is expected to commit to at least 10-15 hours per week. The majority of this work will be completed during daytime hours at the Docs In Progress office.  Hours are flexible to work with the intern’s class schedule. On occasion may include weekend and evening work at Docs In Progress programs and events.

Duties and Responsibilities

Depending on your interests and skills, you may work on some or all of the following:

• Design program graphics for social media and website
• Develop and implement marketing strategies through short videos, e-mail, website, social media, grassroots outreach, and other communications.
• Assist in the planning and execution of in-person, virtual, and hybrid programming and events such as workshops, screenings, and film festivals.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by assisting with donor maintenance and communication.
• Work alongside the CEO and/or Artistic Director on special projects.
• Other duties as assigned to support the marketing, programming, or development priorities of Docs in Progress. 

Requirements for the ideal candidate:

• Undergraduate or graduate student studying non-profit management, arts management, marketing, communications, film or similar. Individuals outside of higher education who are seeking to expand their skills with equivalent work experience are also welcome to apply.
• A professional and enthusiastic attitude with an appreciation for film, storytelling, and building community. 
• Energetic, self-directed, reliable, and well-organized to handle multiple tasks.  
• Ability to thrive in a small team environment, take responsibility, and meet deadlines.  
• Ability to attend Docs In Progress in-person programs, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Must be vaccinated for Covid.
• All Docs In Progress interns are subject to a criminal background investigation.  

Preferred Skills (Applicants should ideally have one or more)

• Experience with event-planning and community engagement.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (particularly Word and Excel) and the Google Suite. 
• Graphic design skills. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud preferred.
• Attention to detail and good writing skills.

Benefits  Docs In Progress is committed to nurturing emerging documentary talent and this includes our  interns. Interns are recognized as important members of our team.  We do not offer nor believe in ‘free’ internships.  Thus at this time, we prefer that all internships be for college credit (to be coordinated between the intern, their educational institution, and Docs In Progress).  

• Small travel stipend.
• Somewhat flexible work schedule. 
• Mentoring from Docs In Progress staff, teaching artists, and/or board members to help the intern  develop as an emerging documentary filmmaker, arts manager, or toward other career goals.  
• Ability to attend Docs In Progress educational and professional development programs during the timeframe of the internship (where space is available).
• Opportunity to network within the local documentary film community

How to Apply  

To begin the application process please complete the form below and you will be instructed on where to submit your resume and cover letter.

Your materials should be in Word documents or PDF format and should address educational/work background, interest in documentary film, professional goals, and why you would like this internship.  

Docs In Progress is an Equal Opportunity Employer.