UT Shield

Public Policy

, 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

, Filed Under: Internship

Spring Internships with Children’s Defense Fund

CDF Description:

The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for more than 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. We champion policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations, CDF advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority. CDF-TX has offices in Houston, Austin, and the Rio Grande Valley.

Job Description:

CDF is currently hiring policy interns based for the Austin office, who will provides general support for the CDF-TX Policy Department. The intern provides substantive research, compiles reports, monitors interim legislative committees and helps with the execution of advocacy-related activities, including advocate training/recruitment, story collection, public education, legislator visits, legislative briefings and other Department projects.

Generally 15 hrs/wk during the school year. Candidates may apply for Fall, Spring, Summer, or Full-Year internship.

The CDF Houston office is also currently hiring interns for the Communications, Development, and Outreach departments.

Qualifications:

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Volunteer advocate outreach and recruitment
  • Policy research, briefs and training material
  • Conducts research on public policy, media trends and other subjects as needed
  • Assists in the development and execution of special projects
  • Perform other division, department, and organization-wide special projects as needed and assigned
  • Assist in maintaining CDFʼs social media platforms
  • Evenings and occasional weekend activity is required, consistent with policy support for a leading national not-for-profit organization

Job Requirements:

  • Ability to work effectively and calmly in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and ability to multi-task
  • Strong organizational and execution skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Commitment to social advocacy and CDFʼs mission to be a voice for all children
  • Ability to organize facts and present issues in a clear, concise and logical manner, both orally and in writing
  • Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact diplomatically and professionally with CDF staff and external partners/contacts
  • Strong computer, Internet and research skills

How to apply

To apply, candidates should email a one-page cover letter describing their interest and qualifications and a resume to: cdftexas@childrensdefense.org andlguerracardus@childrensdefense.org and type POLICY INTERN in the subject line.

Start date

January 10, 2015
End date
May 10, 2015
Application deadline
December 31, 2014