Media/Communications 2024 intern
Make an impact: Apply to be the Media / Communications Intern with the Smart Surfaces Coalition!
The Smart Surfaces Coalition (SSC) is a fast-growing non-profit organization made up of 40+ leading NGOs from a wide range of industries including urban sustainability, public health, and environmental justice. The Coalition supports the rapid adoption of Smart Surfaces—a term referring to the integrated deployment of reflective, porous, and green surfaces, solar PV, and urban trees citywide—in cities in the US and globally. This is one of the largest, least deployed, and most cost-effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and is central to addressing urban environmental justice issues. SSC seeks passionate and enthusiastic individuals with at least 1 year of directly relevant, substantial experience to serve as intern.
Title: Media / Communications Intern
Location: Remote (hybrid opportunity in Washington, DC)
Position: Full-time Internship
Hours Per Week: 40
Duration: 10 weeks, with possible option for extension
Start Date: Immediate
Compensation: Up to $500 / week
The Media / Communications Intern position is open to current college/graduate students or recent graduates interested in sustainability, environmentally-focused research, communications, and journalism. The intern will work with SSC’s Media Coordinator and a leading media firm to develop media strategies for different SSC projects, involving journalist outreach, pitching articles, managing social media strategy and engagement. This experience will be a valuable way to advance one’s qualifications for work in environmental communications, journalism, environmental policy, or sustainability sectors. Successful candidates will bring a demonstrated passion for climate change mitigation, urban transformation, and environmental justice as well as a background in writing, editing, and media production.
Primary Responsibilities
Social media planning - come up with a weekly social media strategy for SSC LinkedIn and Twitter (X) accounts
Weekly media clips - go through Google Alerts and Critical Mentions to pull relevant stories and studies into a weekly email to send to partners and SSC friends
Create slide decks and communication materials
Help coordinate, write, and create graphics for the SSC monthly newsletter
Coordinate and edit blogs
Plan and develop YouTube and podcast content
Support general research for SSC team members and projects
Required Qualifications
Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Geography, Public Health, or a related field. Minimum of 3.0 grade point average, with substantial course work and work experience in relevant disciplines.
Demonstrated passion for climate change mitigation and adaptation, urban transformation, or similar directly relevant subject
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, effective time management, and the ability to work and learn independently or with a team
Experience conducting research and communicating findings
Ability to write about and explain complex concepts in simple, concrete terms
Strong writing and oral communication skills in English
Highly motivated individual interested in working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment willing to be creative and take initiative
Desired Qualifications
Graphic design experience with Adobe Illustrator or Canva
Copywriting and editing knowledge
Experience developing social media content with a consistent message/brand
Video editing
Interested individuals should email a CV, 2 relevant two-page writing samples, and cover letter describing their background and what work areas most interest them to Ally Pecego (apecego@smartsurfacescoalition.org). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Smart Surfaces Coalition is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to racial equity and accessibility. Black and Indigenous people, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA people are strongly encouraged to apply. SSC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, sex, age, gender identity or expression, or other status protected by applicable law.
Position Opened: March 27, 2024