Social Media Intern (Unpaid)
Who We Are:
Detroit PBS is Michigan’s largest and most-watched television station serving Southeastern Michigan and serves the most diverse public television audience in the country. Detroit PBS is also the state’s only community-licensed station, meaning it operates independent of any educational, government or other institution. Its funding comes from the community it serves.
Each week more than two million people watch our five broadcast channels, and nearly 200,000 people listen to our radio station, 90.9 WRCJ for classical days and jazzy nights. In addition, Detroit PBS is building the next generation of public media with our rapidly growing digital presence which has grown to reach more than half a million unique visitors through our website, YouTube channels, and social media platforms each month.
Our core values: excellence, innovation, trust, diversity, engagement and financial sustainability are evident in everything we do. From the engaging content we provide to the way we work with viewers, supporters, board members and employees, to the local events we host, Detroit PBS connects with thousands of our fellow community members each year.
For more information about Detroit PBS, please visit the website https://www.detroitpbs.org/.
Does the idea of building your career alongside a dedicated group of professionals with different backgrounds and experiences excite you? If so, we invite you to join us in our mission to provide public media that helps individuals discover new ideas, make informed decisions, and enjoy enriched lives.
We are actively pursuing dynamic and diverse team members to join us in the role of Social Media Intern in Wixom, MI.
What You’ll Do:
The Social Media Intern will work closely with the Multiplatform Marketing department to support the promotion of various productions, events and initiatives via social media, which includes writing, strategic planning, research and creation of digital assets. The Multiplatform Marketing department will work with the successful candidate to develop an internship program that meets the needs of Detroit PBS and the interests, skills and career aspirations of the individual.
Essential Functions:
- Write accurate, engaging, well-researched copy for various Detroit PBS social media platforms – including primarily Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.
- Compile databases of various interest groups in order to maximize reach and expand audience.
- Conduct research assignments, as needed by the department.
- Write social media posts that engage and expand Detroit PBS’s audience.
- Participate in brainstorm meetings for social media, which may include specific assignments to plan or contribute to planning of social media campaigns and/or tactics.
- Identify ongoing best practices by researching the latest trends across local and national public media outlets.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills:
- Basic Microsoft Office skills required, including Excel.
- Basic knowledge of and fluency in social media, especially Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Qualifications:
- Must be currently enrolled in 4-year university, sophomore or higher status preferred
- Pursuing business/marketing or communications/PR/journalism degree
- Able to work 12-20 hours per week for a maximum of 1 semester, or 16 weeks
What You’ll Get:
- Opportunities to participate in personal and professional development programs.
- Opportunities to serve our mission and community.
- Great work environment.
- Opportunities to generate relevant work in an exciting industry for your portfolio.
Outcomes:
At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will be able to:
- Understand key functions and operations of the communications department of a media property and the social media activities of its various brands
- Craft a social media plan for promotion of programming, events or other initiatives of a television/radio station
- Identify and apply best practices in various communications applications, including promotions, marketing, production and social media
- Write engaging promotional, explanatory and journalistic copy
- Learn about the role of broadcast media, particularly public media, in educating and engaging viewers
- Understand and use effective research and marketing techniques
Intern applicants must be currently enrolled at a college or university, or have recently (within past 6 months) graduated with a relevant degree. The internship program is unpaid and focused on education and training.
*No telephone calls or third parties. Please include the title of the position in the subject line of the email.
Detroit Public Media, d/b/a Detroit PBS and 90.9 WRCJ, is an equal opportunity employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability status, marital status, military status, or protected veteran status. Employment decisions at Detroit PBS will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. The specific statements above are not intended to be all inclusive.