Public Relations Intern

This person provides support to the communication consultants and senior communications consultants on the public relations team. Strong interpersonal skills are required to successfully manage multiple assignments while working closely with members of the public relations team. Creative development responsibilities may include writing and editing of promotional brochures and materials, member publications, public relations tactics, media releases, articles, videos, events, speeches, Internet and other communications tactics. The person would be employed for a three-month internship, which may be extended, if appropriate, particularly during the school year. During the summer months, the intern would work full-time (40 hours/week) and part-time (20 hours/week) during the school year.

Accountabilities:

1. Write news releases, advisories and other media relations tools for external audiences
2. Write news articles and other communications for internal audiences
3. Arrange for distribution of news releases through outside vendors, e-mail or by facsimile
4. Assist media relations coordinator in scanning newspapers and on-line media for health care news, as well as assemble and distribute daily media packets
5. Log media calls into Trackwise reporting software and assist public relations staff in the development of meaningful reports derived from Trackwise
6. Evaluate media clippings as part of a Blue Cross media relations campaign
7. Assist in developing and maintaining media lists
8. Conduct research for public relations staff as part of communication planning efforts
9. Assist with internal and external special events

Requirements:

• College student or recent college graduate 
• Formal contact with college or university where student is enrolled
• Communications or related major with intent to stay in a communications-related field
• 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale
• Previous experience helpful but not necessary 
• Interest in health care helpful but not necessary
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills for working with business partners, vendors and cross-functional teams and for making formal presentations.
• Required to work on site during business hours
• Demonstrated personal computer skills and the willingness to learn in the use of a suite of software tools (such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel) and project management tools
• Exceptional writing and editing skills and a clear understanding or AP Style 
• Previous design and layout experience helpful but not necessary
• Membership and active involvement in a professional communications organization a plus 

Preferred Requirements:

• Previous experience helpful but not necessary

Pay $12-$15 hour.