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Public Affairs Intern

Job Description

The Office of Public Affairs and Communications seeks an intern to participate in various stages of developing communications materials, implementing public relations tactics, and assisting with outreach to communities and organizations in the Philadelphia region. Close supervision is provided by public affairs staff, which will determine the level and amount of participation in each project and provide direction and guidance. The intern will be solely responsible for at least one larger project and will assist with several others.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with several key projects including the Annual Report, monthly DVRPC e-newsletter, press releases, social media outlets, Classic Towns program outreach and media, and public outreach/events.
  • Assist with various public relations functions including media databases, news clippings, and photo research.
  • Assist in planning for DVRPC events, public open houses, and media events.
  • Research organizations and community groups in the region to target for future outreach, and update current database.
  • Research best practices of public involvement, outreach, and general MPO activities.
  • Research social networking and public involvement grant possibilities.
  • Help maintain DVRPC's Twitter and the Regional Student Forum blog.
  • Assist in planning to engage new audiences, including for the Environmental Justice Working Group and Regional Student Forum.
  • Perform related work as required.

Job Requirements

  • Knowledge of and experience with general public relations and public outreach principles.
  • Knowledge of community and economic development, transportation and environmental planning, and equity issues.
  • Excellent writing and communications skills, including speaking on the telephone with partner organizations and vendors, and writing for social media outlets (Twitter, Blogger, Facebook, etc.).
  • Experience in, or knowledge of, planning, environment, community and economic development, transportation, and environmental justice.
  • Ability to prioritize work and multi-task.
  • Experience with social media websites, word processing (Microsoft Office); knowledge of database programs.
  • Ability to establish effective relationships with outside organizations and contacts.
  • Basic knowledge of Philadelphia regional issues and geography.

Compensation

Students with Work Study grants preferred. Ability to work 22.5 hours per week (3 days) throughout the fall 2011 semester (minimum 15 hours per week).

Minimum Education and Training

Must be in an approved internship program as part of a college or university, or have a baccalaureate degree in any discipline. Given the complexity of tasks and need to be able to work independently, this internship may be better suited to a person who has already completed a baccalaureate degree or who has substantial work experience.