Research and Communications Intern
Position Title:
Research and Communications Intern
Position Type:
Internship for Undergraduate Student
Fellowship for Graduate Student
Full and part-time available
Hybrid format – in-person at Alexandria, VA office and remote
Position Compensation:
Stipend available to cover out-of-pocket costs
Course credit available
Position Time Commitment:
Minimum of 16 hours per week
August 15 to December 16 – Start and end dates are FLEXIBLE.
Candidate REQUIREMENTS:
University enrollment in any of the following majors/programs: Business, Economics, Government and Public Policy, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Sustainability, etc.
Position Description:
The Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) is seeking a thoughtful and motivated Research and Communications Intern for our highly competitive and educational internship. The mission of ISD is to catalyze resilience so that communities can thrive long-term and to build a more resilient future for all. This internship is designed to provide successful candidates with background and hands-on experience working on systems-based sustainable development issues. Recent projects have included:
- Supporting women- and diverse-owned small business relief and recovery from COVID-19 in Los Angeles
- Developing a state model program to finance hazard mitigation and resilient infrastructure
- Researching built and natural interfaces in the wake of recent wildfires, floods, and hurricanes
- Developing market solutions to complex environmental, social, and community economic development challenges
The candidate will also be responsible for supporting ISD communications and marketing efforts, including the creation of written content and other deliverables.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Research and programmatic support
- Assisting with written memos, reports, and other deliverables critical to the success of ISD research projects
- Write, edit, and publish ISD blogs, editorial pieces, press releases, and other written content that tackle current events, news, and other hot topics related to resilience and sustainability
- Support ISD communications, including: website management and updates; email list and database management; visual communications, e.g. PowerPoint presentations; and marketing tasks, such as: stakeholder identification and outreach, message-building, and targeted audience-building and engagement
- Attend, represent ISD at, and report on virtual events and webinars
- Monitor current events and news related to sustainable development, public and private initiatives for resilience and capacity-building, U.S. and global infrastructure, and more
- Support ISD marketing tasks and goals for virtual and in-person events
- Ensure brand message is consistent
- Support virtual and in-person ISD events, workshops, training sessions, and seminars by providing logistics, staffing, and other support as needed
- Assist with conducting in-person and virtual interviews and surveys
- Support ISD staff by providing operational and administrative assistance as requested
Having a can-do, team orientation is essential. All ISD staff, interns, and fellows are expected to support convenings, develop and maintain ISD contacts and databases, support communications, and pitch in to help when disasters or other crises occur.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Requirements include university enrollment in any of the following majors/programs: Business, Economics, Government and Public Policy, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Sustainability, etc.
- Previous professional or academic experience in research and writing
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications
- Willingness to learn other online platforms and programs critical for the success of the goals and responsibilities listed above
Successful candidates tend to be courteous, proactive, self-motivated, team-oriented, and capable multi-taskers, who are conscientious about details and willing to help out on a range of issues and projects.
Application instructions:
Please attach your resume and cover letter (INCLUDE YOUR M-F AVAILABILITY IN YOUR COVER LETTER) to your Handshake application.