Opportunities

Careers

From time-to-time, the Forum has job openings. Job announcements are sent out to the Forum's mailing list, and archived on its press releases page.

Internships

The Middle East Forum offers a number of internship positions. Two types of internships are available:

  • On-location interns: In the offices of the Middle East Forum in Philadelphia.
  • Distance interns: Away from the MEF offices, with most communications via telecommuting.

Tasks vary:

Research. Use your online skills to help writers produce rigorously researched articles for large popular audiences, suggest avenues for research, and ensure that writers have up-to-date and accurate information at hand as they compose essays. For example, Campus Watch, which critiques Middle East studies in North America, gives interns the opportunity to examine a range of developments and problems within the discipline. Islamist Watch, our program to combat the ideas of lawful Islamism throughout the West, allows interns to assist with document preparation and mailings, collaborate with leading experts in the field, and engage in research that exposes Islamist organizations. Other Forum projects that may require research assistance include the Legal Project and the Washington Project.

Editorial. Learn the ins-and-outs of publishing by working with the managing editor of the Middle East Quarterly in a variety of tasks, including fact-checking, research, proofreading, advertising, and subscription efforts.

Writing. Want to break into print? Forum staff is ready to help you pick a topic, write an article, and place it.

Web Publishing. Help maintain and expand this website (Meforum.org).

Fundraising. Learn how a non-profit raises general operating and project funds from individuals, foundations, and others.

These positions are available throughout the year.

Internships are unpaid. The Forum does reimburse for local transportation expenses and takes part in work-study programs, when applicable.

In some cases, students can receive school credit for their internships at the Forum.

Former MEF interns have gone on to own businesses with interests in the Middle East; join the professional staff of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee; serve as officers in the U.S. Army; write for Fox News and The Wall Street Journal; and work for the U.S. House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

Students interested in an internship position should e-mail a cover letter and a copy of their resumes to Thelma Prosser, the office manager, at prosser@meforum.org. Any questions should also be directed to Ms. Prosser.

Volunteering for the Middle East Forum

The Middle East Forum invites professionals to serve as part- and full-time volunteers, thus complementing its student internship program.

Tasks:

Volunteers are sought to work on a variety of tasks:

  • Research.
  • Writing.
  • Proof reading.
  • Administration.
  • Fundraising.

Qualities sought:

  • An outlook consonant with that of the Forum (on which, see details).
  • Understanding of American interests in the Middle East and strategic cooperation with allies in the region.
  • Familiarity with the contemporary Middle East, the academic study of the region, and radical Islam.
  • Knowledge of a Middle Eastern language desirable but not required.
  • Skills at Internet-based research.

Location:

  • Volunteers who reside in the Philadelphia may work at the Middle East Forum offices.
  • Volunteers who live elsewhere are invited to use electronic communications and work from where they are. An Internet connection is required in this case.

Terms:

  • Openings for full- and part-time unpaid volunteer positions available.
  • Reimbursements are paid for commuting expenses within the Philadelphia area.

To apply, send:

  • A cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the position.
  • A resume.
  • The names of three references.

Address: