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Public Policy

, Filed Under: Internship

Center for Public Policy Priorities Hiring Spring Communications Intern

Title: COMMUNICATIONS INTERN

Organization: Center for Public Policy Priorities

Job Description:
The Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) seeks a dynamic graduate or undergraduate student communications intern for spring 2015. CPPP is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. We dare Texas to be the best state for hard-working people and their families. Join us!

This paid internship is a unique opportunity to gain experience in strategic public policy communications during the Texas legislative session. The intern will work with the Communications Department to advance CPPP’s policy objectives.

The communications intern should expect to do many of the following:

  • Pitch stories to the news media
  • Track traditional and social media coverage and analyze trends
  • Write and edit press materials, reports, and presentations
  • Write, post and edit content for CPPP blogs and social media
  • Manage lists of media contacts and influencers
  • Assist in developing communications strategy and implementation plans
  • Attend hearings and other events
  • Provide general support for the Communications Department

The ideal intern candidate is pro-active, energetic, flexible and strategic. Applicants should have very strong writing abilities, solid time management and organizational skills, and a passion for public policy.

Time and Dates Needed: The internship begins January 5 and runs through the end of May 2015.

Hours and Compensation: This is a paid internship with 15 hours of work expected per week. The Intern will be paid in accordance with CPPP’s normal payroll practices and will be subject to the usual, required withholding. As a temporary employee, an intern is entitled to CPPP’s paid holidays if a holiday falls on a day she/he would otherwise have worked. Interns are not entitled to other employee benefits such as sick and vacation leave, health and life insurance, employer-sponsored pension, or cell phone reimbursements.

Work Location: Center for Public Policy Priorities, 7020 Easy Wind Drive, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78752 (same building as Black Star Co-op, at the Crestview metro station).

Minimum Qualifications: Graduate or undergraduate students enrolled in school for spring 2015 with demonstrated interest in communications strategy and media relations with strong writing skills.

To Apply:
Submit your resume and a one-page cover letter describing what you’d like to accomplish as an intern to bernstein@cppp.org by 12/1/2014. Put “Communications Internship” in the subject line.

, Filed Under: Internship

Society for Prevention Research Seeking Social Media Intern

The Society of Prevention Research (SPR) is seeking an intern to assist in the development of a social media presence. SPR is an organization dedicated to advancing scientific investigation on the etiology and prevention of social, physical and mental health, and academic problems and on the translation of that information to promote health and well-being (http://www.preventionresearch.org/). The multi-disciplinary membership of SPR is international and includes scientists, practitioners, advocates, administrators, and policy makers who value the conduct and dissemination of prevention science worldwide.

The internship will allow the student to assist with the development of a social media program, including Facebook and Twitter, for SPR. This will include developing a manual of procedures for the content to be posted, developing the content to be posted, and working to implement the procedures.

For this internship, the undergraduate student will primarily work with Dr. Keryn Pasch, director of the Prevention Research Lab at the University of Texas in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education. However, s/he will also work with a faculty member at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Dr. Jeff Temple, as well as other members of the SPR organization.

This internship is perfect for a student who has an interest in working with health-related organizations and developing up to date content and procedures in order to sustain a presence on social media.

To apply, email your resume to Dr. Pasch at kpasch@austin.utexas.edu.

, Filed Under: Internship

City of Austin Hiring Spring 2015 Media Relations Intern – Deadline 11/21

Media Relations Internship Available for Spring 2015 with the City of Austin Communication & Public Information Office

Job Description:
City of Austin officials are currently reviewing internship candidates who will work with the media relations team, a division of the Office of Communications and Public Information at Austin City Hall (301 W. 2nd). This office handles media relations for the City of Austin Executive team, including the City Manager’s Office, and various departments.

City of Austin communication internships meet requirements for class credit with most university programs. There are unpaid positions as well as a very limited number of paid positions available. Typically, interns work a minimum of 12
hours a week (and up to 20 hours a week) in four-hour (minimum) blocks of time which are flexible Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Attendance at a weekly staff meeting may be required along with the ability to work two council meetings during the semester (Council Meetings are held on Thursdays, beginning at 10 a.m. and often extend into the evening hours). It is essential for the selected student to commit to the internship for an entire semester.

Additionally, individuals selected for an internship may not concurrently hold a position with a news media outlet.

Interns perform such tasks as answering public and media calls; assisting with media-related data entry; assisting with and possibly taking the lead on project management, including city events; writing, editing and distributing news releases and performing other administrative duties. Because of the fast-paced work environment, rest assured that the intern will not be getting anyone coffee.

In addition to exposure to a professional and high-speed government communications office, the intern receives free parking in the City of Austin parking garage, free admission to City swimming pools, the ability to participate in the City wellness program and other employee perks.

Qualifications:
These intern positions offer real world, hands-on experience for the right individual. Most interns are dependable undergraduate seniors or graduate students studying communication, public relations, political science, public affairs or a related field. The ideal candidate will have strong writing skills, be familiar with AP writing style, will not be intimidated by members of the media and daily media contact, be highly motivated, have solid professional phone and e-mail conduct, be well-organized and willing to learn and take direction from experienced professionals.

Application:
The intern application deadline for the Fall 2014 semester is Friday, November 21, 2014 at 5 p.m. (Interested applicants are encouraged to submit materials early as the City of Austin reserves the right to fill positions prior to this date).

Applicants should send a single e-mail with:
• A cover letter (Please mention if you would be most interested in either an internship for school credit OR a paid internship)
• Resume
• Letter of recommendation (The letter of recommendation should be from a previous employer or internship supervisor. If such a letter is not available, a letter from a professor will be sufficient)

Send to Kyle Carvell at kyle.carvell@austintexas.gov