Internship, MicroDreams/South Pacific Business Development (SPBD)

Internship, MicroDreams/South Pacific Business Development (SPBD)

Opportunity Type: Internship

Function: Marketing, Outreach & Communications, and Development

Location: Newark, NJ, USA (possibility for remote internship)

 

Internship Overview:

The Intern will assist The MicroDreams Foundation and South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) in marketing and outreach efforts via the websites, social networking channels, eNewsletter and other channels, as appropriate. In addition, the intern will be tasked with supporting the prospecting, cultivation, and stewardship fundraising efforts of MicroDreams through research, writing, editing, budget formulation, and analysis of MFI-partners’ financial projections.

About the Organization:

MicroDreams’ mission is to empower poor but aspiring micro-entrepreneurs by providing them with meaningful economic opportunity so they are able to work their way permanently out of poverty. We provide sustainable, replicable and scalable solutions in underserved markets. MicroDreams has supported the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) network of microfinance institutions in Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. We have also partnered with microfinance institutions in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. (www.microdreams.org)

SPBD is a network of microfinance organizations working in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga dedicated to eradicating poverty by empowering women in poor rural villages with the opportunity to start, grow and maintain sustainable, income generating micro-enterprises. (www.spbdmicrofinance.com)

 

Responsibilities:

• Work on website maintenance, editing, research, writing, and publishing blog entries;

• Work on building presence in social networking platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn;

• Support in the development of collateral materials for internal and external audiences;

• Research prospective donors/investors;

• Develop and implement strategies to support MicroDreams’ fundraising efforts;

• Assist in database maintenance;

• Assist in administrative functions as needed; and,

• Other tasks as needed.

 

Qualifications:

• College Senior, recent graduate, graduate student pursuing a degree in Communication, Marketing, international development or another related field, or individuals with relevant work experience.

• Experience in non-profit fundraising preferred.

• Comfort using and strong understanding of social networking platforms.

• Excellent communication (writing and speaking) skills in English. Must be able to express thoughts and opinions clearly and concisely.

• Strong computer skills, proficiency in Excel applications.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Ability to work as a team member as well as independently.

• Ability to work under pressure and strong problem-solving abilities.

• Previous experience or familiarity in microfinance preferred, but not required.

• Commitment to MicroDreams /SPBD values.

 

This is an unpaid internship position and requires a minimum 8-week commitment. We can be flexible regarding number of hours per week. Working remotely may also be a possibility.

 

TESTIMONIAL

Charles Stern - Summer 2012 (New Jersey)

 

Over the course of this past summer, I had the privilege of interning for The MicroDreams Foundation and SPBD Microfinance.  Working alongside Greg, Polly, and James in assisting those in the South Pacific out of poverty was an enjoyable, as well as an educational experience for me.  It is not every day that one comes across individuals like these who care so much about creating economic opportunities for those who are not as fortunate, and truly care about assisting them out of poverty so that they can support their families.  Unfortunately, MicroFinance is not a field which students in college are highly exposed to and I feel fortunate to have been able to learn about it over the summer, and it is definitely something that I would like to continue being involved in.  Working with MicroDreams and SPBD made me realize that not everyone is as fortunate as we are to have received a college education, and giving poor women in the South Pacific business training and guidance is truly an act of kindness.  Over the course of my 9 week internship, I realized how much MicroDreams and SPBD really does make a difference, and I am grateful to have been able to be a part of it.