Public Affairs Specialist Intern (Virtual) - NASS for the Office of the Administrator
Workplace Culture
At USDA, we are recommitting ourselves to the values of equity and inclusion rooted in justice and equal opportunity for our employees and those we serve.
Job Description:
• Plans, writes and edits text using plain language principles for publications, reports, presentations, scripts, talking points, news releases, feature stories, blogs, twitter, website and other materials.
• Researches and confirms data as needed with technical specialists; acquires necessary clearances; coordinates with agency writers, graphic designers and others to clearly present information; and evaluates effectiveness of products.
• Coordinates dissemination of reports and other publications to the news media, list subscribers, stakeholders, the NASS FO web pages, and other outlets.
• Helps coordinate exhibits and recommends venues for exhibiting that enhance understanding of NASS and the value of its data.
• Helps ensure quality communications through close attention to detail and content as well as consistency in carrying out established public affairs processes.
• Evaluates communications problems, analyzes needs and plans effective strategies for conveying NASS messages. Presents and recommends ideas for potential public affairs projects to improve NASS communications.
• Ensures information is presented clearly and appropriately for targeted audiences.
• Performs other related public affairs duties as assigned in carrying out NASS’ agency-wide strategic communications plan.
• Uses and adapts cleared templates and sample materials to reach targeted audiences with consistent agency identity such as graphics, messages, and tone.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with NASS public affairs professionals in headquarters and nationwide and in order to coordinate products and clearances as well as to provide information and materials to reach specialized audiences about agency data and data products.
Location:
- Washington, D.C.
Hours per week:
- Flexible
Preferred majors:
- Public Relations
- Journalism
- Mass Media
Desired Skills:
- Writing in AP Style
- Social Media Experience
- Familiar with Microsoft Office programs Word and Powerpoint
- Experience with Canva
Supervision:
- Interns will report to the National Agricultural Library - Data Production Division - Indexing & Informatics Branch.
- Interns will receive guidance and feedback from supervisor daily, weekly, or as needed.
- Interns formal evaluation are completed at the following segments of the internship session, Mid-term and Final Performance Evaluation.
Requirements Conditions of Employment:
- You must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Must be in good academic standing as defined by their academic institution.
- Satisfactory Background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- The position is renewable, based upon effective performance, availability of funds, and program needs, with the possibility of a multiple-year appointment.
Documents to have when applying:
- Resume
- College Transcript(s)
- References
General Information
About USDA and HACU
For the past 27 years, USDA has partnered with HACU to provide internship opportunities for hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students. These internships provide valuable professional experience for students while also exposing students to the important work that is done at USDA. The students also make significant contributions to the sub-agencies.
This partnership with HACU represents a larger USDA strategy aimed at ensuring a diverse, prepared, and competitive workforce that is vital to establishing a sustainable agricultural future. As a result of their positive internship experiences and supportive and inclusive culture at USDA, many former HACU students are now members of the USDA permanent workforce.