Communications Intern

Product Stewardship Institute, Inc. (PSI) is a national non-profit environmental institute with membership from 47 states, over 200 local governments, and more than 70 businesses, organizations, universities, and non-U.S. governments. PSI establishes cooperative agreements to reduce the health and environmental impacts from consumer products.

Position Overview:

PSI is launching a new marketing strategy and is interested in an intern who can help to implement various initiatives to expand the depth and breadth of our communications to new and current audiences. PSI is particularly interested in an intern to assist with social media communications (YouTube videos, twitter, facebook, blogging).

PSI seeks an enterprising individual who thrives in a fast-paced, small organization. PSI is conducting cutting-edge work on product stewardship and sustainability, and seeks interns who have energy, enthusiasm, and creativity.

PSI interns work on a variety of tasks, which allow them to become informed about current stewardship programs in a variety of product industries. PSI staff assists interns in developing one or two specific projects for which the intern can take primary responsibility. Interns also perform some administrative assignments, as do all staff. There are significant learning opportunities pertaining to substantive initiatives.

Responsibilities: 

Potential tasks might include:

• Assist in the development of new communication pieces, including press releases, promotional materials, email blasts, etc.
• Help to develop and implement new social media communication strategies.
• Assist in the development of short videos highlighting health and environmental impacts of specific product categories (electronics, pharmaceuticals, fluorescent lamps, batteries, etc.)
• Bolster PSI's press list.
• Assist in the comprehensive redesign and updating of the PSI website.
• Organize national contact lists and databases to enhance the organization's ability to communicate with its constituents, and conduct other administrative tasks.

Qualifications:

Interns should have excellent organization and communication skills, both written and oral, and be passionate about moving toward a more sustainable future. Ideal candidates will have academic or professional experience or knowledge related to marketing and communications, and/or environmental advocacy and policy.

Ideal candidates may have an undergraduate or graduate degree in marketing, communications, political science, natural science, environmental science, or a related field. Alternatively, interns may be a degree candidate in one of these areas. The intern's thoughts and ideas will be considered seriously as a contribution to improving the organization as a whole, as well as forwarding its mission.

Compensation: Unpaid, with potential for paid over time, pending funding.

Time Commitment: Approximately 15 - 20 hours/week with a possibility of additional hours or a full-time opportunity during breaks and summer.

To Apply:

Please send a resume, cover letter, and 2 writing samples (preferably 1 short and 1 long). Available on an ongoing basis.

Please address all of the following within your cover letter:

• Are you able to reliably meet the minimum time requirement?
• Why are you interested in working on product stewardship Issues?
• Why are you interested in working for the Product Stewardship Institute?
• What in your academic or professional experience makes you uniquely qualified for this position?
• What do you hope to gain from this experience?