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External Communication & Funding Assistant

Job Description

This internship role is designed to significantly enhance the student’s academic progress and professional experience in the field of Public Relations. Through a structured, hands-on learning model, the intern will apply core PR principles—such as strategic communication, audience engagement, branding, media relations, and campaign development—in real-world contexts that align with their coursework. By engaging in outreach to employers, alumni, and internship sites, the student will gain valuable experience in relationship-building, message crafting, and event coordination. Additionally, the opportunity to participate in fundraising and advancement activities will expose the student to areas of nonprofit communication, development strategy, and institutional branding, broadening their understanding of the field. As their responsibilities increase each year, the intern will develop leadership, project management, and analytical skills, all of which are crucial for a successful career in Public Relations. Ultimately, the role not only supports the student’s academic learning, but also provides a portfolio of tangible experiences that strengthen their resume and future career opportunities.

Year 1: Foundation and Training
Responsibility/Function

Objective:  Skill development, research, and initial engagement

1. Learn the fundamentals of public relations, university advancement protocols, alumni relations, and employer outreach strategies.
2. Assist in compiling and updating a contact list of relevant employers, internship providers, and alumni using CRM and university systems.
3. Help draft outreach emails, brochures, and social media content related to alumni stories, internship highlights, and program achievements.
4. Assist in preparing for alumni panels, employer meet-and-greets, and campus fundraising events by managing invitations, RSVPs, and follow-ups.
5. Shadow faculty and staff in meetings with donors, employers, and program partners.
6. Attend ASD & Open houses

Year 2: Active Engagement and Project Management
Responsibility/Function

Objective: Hands-on communication and relationship-building

1. Begin initiating contact with internship sites, potential employers, and alumni via email and social media to share program updates and opportunities to support students.
2. Coordinate and publish monthly alumni stories for newsletters and the department website to foster engagement and pride.
3. Design and distribute feedback surveys for alumni and employers to gather data Program needs to stay competitive
4. Work with the advancement office to develop targeted mini-campaigns for alumni giving days or scholarship drives.
5. Lead small-scale events or virtual meetups connecting current students with alumni and employers.
6. Attend ASD & Open houses

Year 3: Leadership and Strategic Development
Responsibility/Function

Objective: Strategy, mentorship, and sustainability

1. Design and implement a year-long outreach strategy to deepen employer and alumni engagement, including messaging, timelines, and deliverables.
2. Train and mentor incoming interns or student workers, delegating tasks and providing guidance on outreach processes.
3. Partner with advancement professionals to help lead a fundraising initiative (PRSSA Gala)
4. Track outreach outcomes, compile analytics on engagement, and present recommendations for ongoing outreach and partnership growth.
5. Represent the program with PR lead at internal and external to advocate for Public Relations student opportunities.

*Students are prohibited from driving during work-study employment with the limited exception of authorized work-study driver positions.

Starting Date