Intern - Social Media & Strategic Communications
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Description
Who We Are
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future
for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.
Who We Are as an Employer
At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It
regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, transportation network companies, and oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines and the MBTA.
About the role:
The Department of Public Utilities seeks a dynamic, self-starter to assist in communications and public affairs efforts. The social media and strategic communications intern will work with the Director of Communications to develop and implement communication plans for various workstreams, manage social media, and assist in mission critical tasks which supports the goals and mission of the Department. The work of the social media and communications intern will help raise awareness about the work of DPU to the public, inform staff about key ongoing efforts of the Department, and maintain records of communications outreach and media requests.
Example projects Include creating and managing social media content; managing graphic and video design campaigns; assisting with press events including media inquiries; and more.
This internship is an excellent opportunity to experience various aspects of communications planning and media management at a government agency.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Social Media and Communications Intern will perform administrative duties including:
- Assist with distributing daily news clips.
- Assist in the development of social media content and graphics that are engaging and informative.
- Monitor all social media platforms for trending news, ideas, and feedback.
- Assist in implementing plans to increase public awareness and engagement on the work of the Department.
- Assist in the development of DPU’s internal newsletter.
- Assist in drafting media advisories, press releases and other related content.
- Maintain records and logs of media coverage and requests, as well as outreach activities of the office.
- Assist in the development of collateral materials.
- Take photos and/or video of events and meetings.
- Assist in the development of content for DPU’s website.
- Assist the Director of Communications on other activities and duties as assigned.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess and/or demonstrate:
- Pursuing an undergraduate degree from a college or university.
- Strong analytical, written and oral communication, and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
- Working knowledge of how to create, edit and launch video content, including the use of digital cameras.
- Knowledge of social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), with a willingness to propose creative new ways to use platforms to engage with the general public.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Access, and Excel.
- Ability to gather relevant information from trusted and accurate sources.
- Ability to multitask and effectively manage concurrent projects and communication streams.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience and expertise in the following areas will also be important considerations:
- Awareness of the role of communications staff in a government office.
- Knowledge of the work of the Department.
- Experience with photo editing and graphic design software, such as Canva and Adobe InDesign.
- Undergraduate or graduate student in public relations, marketing, communications, or digital communication.
There are no benefits with this position, except earned sick leave.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.