Context: The Sierra Club’s D.C. communications internship provides hands-on experience in crafting strategic communications, pitching reporters, organizing media outreach, and writing professionally in a variety of contexts -- all while representing the Sierra Club, the nation's oldest and largest environmental organization. Interns in this paid, temporary position will have an unparalleled opportunity to learn about and engage with energy and environmental policy and politics at the national level.
Scope: Works closely with the Deputy Communications Director and other Communications staff to plan and carry out communications and media relations strategies, supporting a wide range of national programs and initiatives. Researches, drafts messages, talking points, press releases, compiles data, provides event and meeting support, and tracks and reports on media coverage. As needed, writes and designs other materials for use with internal audiences, including press compilation reports and strategy summaries.
- Currently pursuing or already graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program, or equivalent combination of education and experience. High-school diploma or GED required.
- Excellent writing and communications skills
- Knowledge of environmental advocacy and/or national politics preferred
- Ability to apply discretion and understand the importance of organizational confidentiality
- Ability to work cooperatively and interact effectively with staff, volunteers, the public and others outside the organization
- Ability to meet quick deadlines and prioritize multiple projects
- Comfort with engaging in issue advocacy and targeted accountability
- Performs research and analysis using a variety of resources, working closely with Program Staff and Communications staff to craft appropriate media messages, draft press releases, opinion editorials and other materials.
- In cooperation with issue teams and media team members, helps support the organization and execution of events.
- Tracks media coverage, performs media analysis for various issues and campaigns.
- Attends and reports back on congressional hearings, press conferences, demonstrations and other events.
- Practices pitching stories to reporters.
- Maintains and strengthens existing media lists, pulls targeted media lists as needed and builds media lists to support team and campaign needs.
- Researches, writes and designs materials for internal communications needs, including internal reports.
- Performs special projects, and miscellaneous duties as assigned.
- Excellent writing and communications skills
- Knowledge of environmental advocacy and/or national politics preferred
- Ability to apply discretion and understand the importance of organizational confidentiality
- Ability to work cooperatively and interact effectively with staff, volunteers, the public and others outside the organization
- Ability to meet quick deadlines and prioritize multiple projects
- Comfort with engaging in issue advocacy and targeted accountability