The only organization dedicated solely to helping state boards advance equity and excellence in public education.


The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is seeking a creative, organized, personable individual interested in nonprofit communications and publishing work in education policy to join our team as a Communications Intern for Fall 2023, with preference for a candidate who could also serve through Spring 2024.

The communications intern will work closely with NASBE’s communications director to support NASBE’s media relations, dissemination and member outreach efforts, online presence, and social media strategy. They may also occasionally support NASBE’s editorial director in producing NASBE’s popular policy briefs and issues of the award-winning journal, The State Education Standard.

This position is a part-time, paid opportunity that requires a weekly commitment of 15-20 hours. The ideal candidate should have some experience in public relations, nonprofit communications, or social media; be a solid, persuasive writer; be detail-oriented; a good researcher; and have a strong interest in public education. The responsibilities of this position can be performed remotely, with a flexible schedule, but in-person working hours at NASBE’s office in Alexandria, VA (if desired) can be accommodated.

Responsibilities

Candidates will support NASBE’s overall communications strategy and day-to-day media and member relations. They will learn about and engage in the following tasks:

  • Assist with NASBE publications releases by researching and developing targeted media lists; drafting pitches, press releases, e-blasts, and website copy; and identifying partnership opportunities.
  • Assist with communications needs of special NASBE initiatives, including the Healthy School Facilities Network, Early Childhood State Network, and upcoming work on high school redesign, parent engagement, and school leadership.
  • Develop social media messaging/toolkits, including graphics.
  • Update NASBE web properties, as needed, and strategize with team members on growth opportunities.
  • Assist with planning and producing NASBE webinars and in-person conferences.
  • Monitor state board of education activity and track national and state education news, particularly as they relate to NASBE’s priority areas.
  • Assist in updating NASBE member contact information and knowledge-share.
  • Candidates with skills in editing and production may assist in proofing and production of NASBE publications.
  • Participate in team meetings and strategy sessions, thought partnership, and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Candidates with two or more years of college or grad students majoring in public policy, communications, journalism, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Prior work experience with a membership organization or in education advocacy is a plus.
  • Excellent research and communications skills. Strong writer and storyteller.
  • Strategic-minded, entrepreneurial, well-organized, and superior attention to detail.
  • Great sense of humor and adaptable; ability to work independently and as a member of a small team.
  • Demonstrated interest in public education and state education policymaking.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Experience with various web, social, and other communications tools such as WordPress and Drupal; Hootsuite; Mailchimp; Canva; and Meltwater or Cision media tools. Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and InDesign is a plus, as is video production and design experience or photo research/editing experience.
  • Knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style or AP Style is a plus.

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and the contact information for three references to employment@nasbe.org with subject line “NASBE Communications Internship.” Please apply by September 1, 2023, for fall semester placement.

NASBE is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

 

About NASBE Internships

An internship at NASBE allows students to gain substantive knowledge of education policy issues and a greater understanding of the education policy landscape across the nation. (more…)

Internship opportunities are part-time and paid ($20/hour) and offered to students who are interested in education policy and research, project management, communications, and non-profit administration. The position does not include benefits. NASBE will provide the necessary reports to a college/university if the intern is working for credit.

NASBE encourages candidates to apply who are people of color, LGBTQ+, have experience living in rural areas, have a disability, and are from nontraditional educational backgrounds. The National Association of State Boards of Education ensures equal employment opportunity in accordance with all applicable state and federal regulations and guidelines.

General Qualifications and Requirements for Interns

NASBE’s internship program is open to applicants from all academic programs. Graduate students are preferred; however, undergraduate students are welcome to apply. Applicants may combine an NASBE internship with their academic program requirements when possible.

  • Applicant must be a student at the time of the internship
  • Internships require a commitment of at least 4-5 months
  • NASBE prefers interns work 15-20 hours a week

Spring: intern positions typically start in January and run through May

Summer: intern positions typically start in May and run through August

Fall: intern positions typically start in August and run through December




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