Job Description

Job Description

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: 30 – 40

Duration: 10 weeks, with the possibility to continue

Start Date: As soon as possible

Compensation: Up to $500 / week

Interested individuals should email a CV, 2 relevant two-page writing samples, cover letter describing their background and what work areas most interest them to Shallon Hartke (shartke@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.

Duties/Tasks

• 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 analyzing and/or managing data and conducting research
• 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

The Media 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.

How to Apply

Interested individuals should email a CV, 2 relevant two-page writing samples, cover letter describing their background and what work areas most interest them to Shallon Hartke (shartke@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.

Job Categories: Environmental. Job Types: Internship. Salaries: Less than 20,000.

Job expires in 54 days.

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