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Join our team as a PR Intern or Communications Intern

Oct 21, 2022

At Piper & Gold, we know we have the power to change our community — and our world — for the better. We show up every day committed to supporting a more just, equitable society through communications. 

Because we’re small by choice, we have the freedom and flexibility to specialize in different ways that complement one another’s skills. And we’re looking to add two interns to our team this fall/winter: a Public Relations Intern and a Communications Intern. These roles are similar in function — the big difference is that the Communications Intern will focus their work and time specifically on one of our large client accounts, while the Public Relations Intern will spend their time spread across multiple clients.

We produce award-winning public relations work (over 100 awards in the past five years!) with a belief there’s always room to improve. At P&G, we’re committed to using our skills for good and helping nonprofits, government agencies, associations and small businesses make a difference. 

P&G is a boutique agency with elite clients who value our work and time. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on our agency, we have created a remote-friendly environment. While we remain committed to our home state of Michigan, the P&G team is currently working fully remote. This position may work in different formats: fully remote or hybrid. With many of our clients based in Michigan, preference will go to individuals that are looking for a hybrid environment residing in the state of Michigan. For the right candidate, we will consider a permanent remote work arrangement.

We value your time and believe only in paid internships. We’re looking for students who can work a minimum of 20 hours per week, and preference will be given to students who can commit to at least a full year.

Please note that the initial review of applications will begin on Nov. 9. Applications submitted after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

WHAT DOES A PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN DO? 

  • With so much to learn at P&G, we want to work with you to shape your internship experience to fit your skills and interests. Here are some of the many unique opportunities we offer our students…
  • Write. A lot. Columns, features, blog posts, newsletters and magazine writing.
  • Learn and refine how to use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, blogging and more to promote organizations and educate audiences.
  • Work on daily social media maintenance and longer campaigns, including content development, some graphics (Canva or Adobe Suite) or video editing and analytics. 
  • Participate in outreach, marketing, events and research projects for nonprofits and government agencies.
  • Support with media relations such as developing press releases, researching reporters and outlets, and building media lists for a range of clients.
  • Get to know dozens of client organizations working in Michigan and beyond to effect social change.
  • Learn alongside your colleagues through weekly P&G University education sessions, webinars, workshops and other professional development opportunities.
  • Attend weekly team meetings and client brainstorming sessions.

WHAT DOES A COMMUNICATIONS INTERN DO? 

  • This unique role primarily serves one of P&G’s largest clients. 
  • Write. A lot. Talking points, columns, features, blog posts, newsletters and magazine writing.
  • Learn and refine how to use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, blogging and more to promote organizations and educate audiences.
  • Work on daily social media maintenance and longer campaigns, including content development and scheduling, some graphics (Canva or Adobe Suite) and analytics.
  • Fielding communications support requests from the client team and passing them to the P&G team or client leadership.
  • Support with media relations such as developing press releases, researching reporters and outlets, scheduling interviews with media account executives and building media lists for a range of clients.
  • Attend meetings with the client as a representative of the P&G team.
  • Foster relationships with organizations working in Michigan and beyond to effect social change.
  • Assist with internal communications for the client, such as newsletters or crisis communications.
  • Participate in outreach, marketing, events and research projects.
  • Learn alongside your colleagues through occasional P&G University education sessions, webinars, workshops and other professional development opportunities.
  • Attend weekly team meetings and client brainstorming sessions.

WHO’S GOING TO BE A GOOD FIT? 

  • A polished professional ready to engage directly with client contacts. 
  • A current junior — or experienced and ambitious sophomore — college student. We will also consider graduate students or undergraduate seniors. Please include your expected graduation date in the application materials.
  • An exceptional writer. Must love AP style.
  • A resourceful individual with a growth mindset. 
  • Someone with a voice and personality that translates to digital content.
  • Someone who’s enthusiastic and fabulous but also organized and detail-oriented.
  • Someone who’s independent and accountable.
  • Someone who’s comfortable working in a fast-paced agency environment.
  • Bonus points for previous internship experience!

Anticipated start date: ASAP.

Ready to get started? Submit the following items to Shannon Janczewski at shannon@piperandgold.com.  

  • Your cover letter and resume. 
  • A link to your portfolio or at least two samples relevant to the experience we’re looking for. Be sure to show us the work of which you are most proud.
  • If you have a preference on one internship over the other, please indicate that in your email and cover letter. We may still consider you for both!
  • At the time of the interview, the internship format (remote or hybrid) will be discussed based on agency policies and current CDC recommendations.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

With the COVID-19 pandemic still at large, it is our responsibility to help keep our employees, clients and communities safe. Piper & Gold adheres to CDC, state and local orders regarding COVID-19 and is a COVID-cautious employer. The P&G team is fully vaccinated and currently working remotely. We will require proof of vaccination within 30 days of hire.

Tags: hiring