Communications Intern

Job Description

The Communications Intern will join a team that focuses on raising the visibility of the International Rescue Committee’s international programs, and turning public attention to the organization’s humanitarian aid in 40 countries. The intern must have a genuine interest and background in the humanitarian aid world and in public relations. S/he will support several ongoing or expanding outreach campaigns, as well as provide assistance on other media relations projects. This position will provide the opportunity to hone media relations and writing skills – i.e. how to make humanitarian sector jargon more easily digestible to a public facing audience and how to craft a compelling pitch and target the right reporters.

Major Responsibilities:

- Helping generate media coverage for the IRC’s humanitarian aid work in its international programs through assistance in proactive (including pitching) and reactive media – helping the team achieve and track Key Performance Indicators, annual and quarterly planning goals.

- Regularly updating IRC’s Cision media database and building targeted lists, for specific issues and geographies.

- Assisting our move from Cision media database to Muck Rack.

- Researching target outlets and markets for IRC stories & campaigns.

- Researching upcoming conferences and events for IRC participation.

- Conducting targeted research on IRC programs and international crises, as well as targeted and ongoing media monitoring.

- Supporting our ongoing “news hooks” and planning on Airtable.

- Providing general media outreach support during emergencies.

- Using analytics tools, provide a regular cadence of updates on IRC media measurement and impact.

- Leading development of news roundups, monitoring communications inbox and maintaining editorial calendar.

- Assisting in special IRC communications projects as they arise and as indicated by the Senior Communications Officer and/or Communications Manager.

Learning Outcomes:

The Communications Intern has an opportunity to develop the skills of a public relations professional. S/he will gain a deep understanding of print, digital and broadcast media; learn how to create clear and compelling content to grab media’s attention; understand how marketing, fundraising and communications work together towards shared objectives; have visibility into projects during all stages, from a concept brainstorm to a full-fledged campaign. This internship will also provide a foundation for understanding how a large humanitarian aid organization functions, and how it partners with other private and public organizations.

Due to the remote nature of this internship, the Communications Intern will have daily video chats with the Communications Manager to discuss daily tasks and progress, in addition to a weekly check in with a Senior Communications Officer regarding professional development. Both the Communications Manager and the Senior Communications Officer can serve as resources for thinking through a potential career in communications, answering day-to-day questions and providing overall strategic support throughout the internship.

Requisition ID: req8890

Job Title: Intern, Communications

Sector: Communications

Employment Category: Intern

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: New York, NY HQ USA

Job Description

The Communications Intern will join a team that focuses on raising the visibility of the International Rescue Committee’s international programs, and turning public attention to the organization’s humanitarian aid in 40 countries. The intern must have a genuine interest and background in the humanitarian aid world and in public relations. S/he will support several ongoing or expanding outreach campaigns, as well as provide assistance on other media relations projects. This position will provide the opportunity to hone media relations and writing skills – i.e. how to make humanitarian sector jargon more easily digestible to a public facing audience and how to craft a compelling pitch and target the right reporters.

Major Responsibilities:
- Helping generate media coverage for the IRC’s humanitarian aid work in its international programs through assistance in proactive (including pitching) and reactive media – helping the team achieve and track Key Performance Indicators, annual and quarterly planning goals.
- Regularly updating IRC’s Cision media database and building targeted lists, for specific issues and geographies.
- Assisting our move from Cision media database to Muck Rack.
- Researching target outlets and markets for IRC stories & campaigns.
- Researching upcoming conferences and events for IRC participation.
- Conducting targeted research on IRC programs and international crises, as well as targeted and ongoing media monitoring.
- Supporting our ongoing “news hooks” and planning on Airtable.
- Providing general media outreach support during emergencies.
- Using analytics tools, provide a regular cadence of updates on IRC media measurement and impact.
- Leading development of news roundups, monitoring communications inbox and maintaining editorial calendar.
- Assisting in special IRC communications projects as they arise and as indicated by the Senior Communications Officer and/or Communications Manager.

Learning Outcomes:

The Communications Intern has an opportunity to develop the skills of a public relations professional. S/he will gain a deep understanding of print, digital and broadcast media; learn how to create clear and compelling content to grab media’s attention; understand how marketing, fundraising and communications work together towards shared objectives; have visibility into projects during all stages, from a concept brainstorm to a full-fledged campaign. This internship will also provide a foundation for understanding how a large humanitarian aid organization functions, and how it partners with other private and public organizations.

Due to the remote nature of this internship, the Communications Intern will have daily video chats with the Communications Manager to discuss daily tasks and progress, in addition to a weekly check in with a Senior Communications Officer regarding professional development. Both the Communications Manager and the Senior Communications Officer can serve as resources for thinking through a potential career in communications, answering day-to-day questions and providing overall strategic support throughout the internship.

Qualifications

Qualifications
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s degree.
- Previous experience working or interning for a media outlet, PR agency or humanitarian aid agency preferred.
- Exemplary drafting and research skills – ideally with a focus on humanitarian aid or international relations.
- Keen interest in and knowledge of mainstream media.
- Familiarity with international/humanitarian issues.
- Excellent oral communications skills – proficiency in foreign languages a plus.
- Sharp, analytical, quick-thinking and proactive.
- Must be able to commit to a part-time or full-time work schedule May through September.