Communications Spring Intern (m/w/d)

Job Description

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the solar and storage industry and represents more than 1,200 member companies and 263,000 Americans working across the United States. SEIA is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy and is creating the framework for solar to reach 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. We work with our member companies and strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power.

SEIA does this by supporting pro-solar policies at the state and federal level, developing cutting-edge market research, hosting educational events and webinars, and serving as the voice of the solar and storage industry.

SEIA employees are passionate, forward-thinking leaders who start every day knowing that their work makes a difference. SEIA values diversity and fosters an inclusive, lively company culture that celebrates team success. The association has earned numerous awards for its work and company culture and was named by the Washington Post as a 2023 and 2024 Top Workplace and a Best Nonprofit to Work For by the Nonprofit Times.

Internship Description

SEIA's communications team is central to the organization's advocacy efforts. The SEIA communications team uses strategic campaigns and tactics to advance the policy goals of the organization and the solar and storage industry. The Communications Intern will support the efforts of this fast-paced, award-winning team. The Communications Intern will gain valuable strategic communication and digital media skills that could help launch a career in clean energy and climate communications. The ideal candidate will be available 20 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Drafting communications materials including, but not limited to, press releases and advisories, press statements, newsletters, blog posts, fact sheets, webpages, and other materials that showcase the importance of solar and energy storage in America
• Tracking and clipping national and local press coverage of SEIA and the solar and storage industry
• Updating and maintaining press lists to ensure SEIA's message reaches its intended audience
• Draft social media posts and suggesting content for SEIA's various social media channels, including LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Proofreading press materials
• Supporting SEIA's press events
• Other projects as assigned to support the team's public affairs work, digital campaigns, and events.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of strategic communications and social media
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to quickly learn digital platforms like Drupal, Salesforce, Eventbrite, and more
• Positive, can-do attitude
• Teamwork and flexibility
• Resourcefulness, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities
• Working knowledge of the public policy process
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Video editing and graphic design skills are desired but not required

Undergraduate: Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, Journalism, Environmental Studies, Political Science, American Studies or Media Studies, and other liberal arts majors that emphasize strategic communications, writing, and analysis.

Graduate: Strategic Communications or Communications, Public Policy or Public Administration, Political Management, Nonprofit Management, and more.

Compensation

This position pays $18/hour. The internship will start in middle of March through the end of May. For our internship Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

Working Conditions

• This position is 20 hours/week
• This internship is based in the Washington, DC office
• Interns MUST be in the office on designated team days (3 days a week) and specifically on Wednesdays for cohort touch base.

Working at SEIA

SEIA values diversity, inclusion, and equity within our organization and the promotion of these values across the solar industry. We strive to welcome different perspectives, identities, and backgrounds, regardless of job function, to create a more resilient organization supporting a strong, equitable solar industry. SEIA envisions an industry that is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity. We aim to achieve this by encouraging openness and transparency about diversity issues and progress. We will develop strategies, programs, and tools that seek to equalize opportunities within SEIA and allow for discussing and sharing best practices within the solar industry.

SEIA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, homelessness, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. SEIA complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we employ staff. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SEIA is an EVERIFY employer.