Media Relations Intern

SUMMARY

UnidosUS, the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, seeks a Media Relations Intern for its Communications and Marketing department. This is a 3-month internship position reporting to the Media Relations Manager and will work with the Media Relations team assisting with its daily communications outreach, including preparing for and staffing press events, helping to research news stories and key issue areas, and assisting with all communications and marketing projects deemed necessary. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in entering the field of communications.

This part-time position is hybrid and will be based in Washington, DC.

Hourly rate: $17.50 (This position is not eligible for benefits.)

Essential Functions

• Create and regularly update media lists and relationship maps.
• Research print, radio, online, and TV news outlets.
• Maintain record of media requests or inquiries.
• Periodically maintain internal communications materials up to date including press kits, media guides, and others.
• Provide support with the research and compilation of news clips for specific UnidosUS releases, issue areas, and virtual events.
• Support in tracking metrics of media campaigns, projects, and monthly reports.
• Develop coverage reports on specific issues.
• Support staff with work plan implementation and performing other support duties deemed necessary and appropriate.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience 

• Must be a college Junior or Senior enrolled in a journalism, communications, public relations, public affairs or related program.
• Demonstrate an interest in issues impacting the Latino community in the United States.
• Organizational, administrative and research skills, self-initiative, and the ability to follow through on projects from beginning to end and work cooperatively with all UnidosUS staff.
• Bilingual ability (Spanish/English).
• Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of the Latino community.

Skills and Abilities 

• Steadfast commitment to UnidosUS mission, vision, and values Excellence, Accountability, Respeto.
• Commitment to U.S. Latino community, Latino non-profit organizations, and the Latino market.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and deadlines.
• Strong sense of responsibility, self-motivation, and a positive attitude.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once.
• Ability to accept and build on feedback.
• Understanding of news media industry and journalistic principles.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite more specifically, Office 365.

Competencies 

• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: 

• Accurately complete detailed forms and
• Coordinate multiple tasks
• Perform some repetitive motion
• Sit for long periods of
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger
• Frequently/Continually required to talk or
• Occasionally required to lift/push light weights up to 25 pounds.
• Utilize visual acuity to operate equipment, read technical information, and/or use a keyboard.
• The noise level in the work environment usually is quiet to moderately loud.

COVID-19 Considerations: 

UnidosUS follows CDC guidance and strongly encourages employees to stay up to date on vaccinations and practice a range of preventive measures to support their well-being and maintain a healthy work environment.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.