Communications Intern

Job Description

About Company

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association representing the solar and storage industry in the United States. It encompasses more than 1,200 member companies and represents 263,000 Americans working across the country. SEIA’s core mission is to lead the transformation to a clean energy economy, with a strategic goal of solar reaching 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030.

SEIA achieves its objectives by:
• Advocacy: Fighting for policies that create jobs and shaping fair market rules to promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power.
• Policy Support: Supporting pro-solar policies at both state and federal levels.
• Market Research: Developing cutting-edge market research.
• Education: Hosting educational events and webinars.
• Voice of the Industry: Serving as the authoritative voice for the solar and storage industry.

SEIA emphasizes a company culture where employees are passionate, forward-thinking leaders who believe their work makes a tangible difference. The association values diversity and fosters an inclusive, lively culture that celebrates team success. Its commitment to its employees and work has been recognized with numerous awards, including being named a Washington Post 2023 and 2024 Top Workplace and a Best Nonprofit to Work For by the Nonprofit Times.

SEIA is an EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all and prohibiting discrimination or harassment based on various protected characteristics. It complies with all applicable federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws and is an E-VERIFY employer.

Job Description: Communications Intern

The Communications Intern will be a vital part of SEIA’s communications team, which plays a central role in the organization’s advocacy efforts by creating engaging content to highlight the increasing importance of clean energy in America. This internship offers the opportunity to gain valuable strategic communication and digital media skills, which can serve as a strong foundation for a career in clean energy and climate communications.

The ideal candidate should be available for 15-20 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

• Content Curation: Curating “Solar in the News,” a daily compilation of clean energy news for key members.
• Newsletter Creation: Creating “The Weekly Array,” SEIA’s weekly newsletter for interested stakeholders.
• Content Development: Developing and creating various materials, including blog posts, fact sheets, webpages, and other content that showcases the importance of solar energy in America.
• Team Support: Providing support for the team’s public affairs activities, digital campaigns, and events.
• Media Tracking: Tracking national and local press coverage related to SEIA and the broader solar and storage industry.
• Social Media Management: Drafting social media posts and suggesting content for SEIA’s various channels, including LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Ad-hoc Projects: Undertaking other projects as assigned.

Requirements:

• Skills:
• Working knowledge of strategic communications and social media.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to quickly learn digital platforms such as Drupal, Salesforce, Eventbrite, and others.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of the public policy process.
• Attributes:
• Positive, can-do attitude.
• Strong emphasis on teamwork and flexibility.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Desired (but not required) Skills: Video editing and graphic design skills.

Eligible Academic Backgrounds:

• Undergraduate: Candidates pursuing degrees in Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, Journalism, Environmental Studies, Political Science, American Studies, Media Studies, or other liberal arts majors that emphasize strategic communications, writing, and analysis.
• Graduate: Candidates pursuing degrees in Strategic Communications or Communications, Public Policy or Public Administration, Political Management, Nonprofit Management, and related fields.

Compensation and Working Conditions:

• Compensation: This position pays $18 per hour.
• Internship Period: The internship will run from September 29th through December 12th.
• Hours: The position is for 15-20 hours per week.
• Location: This internship is based in the Washington, DC office.
• In-Office Requirement: Interns MUST be in the office on designated team days (2-3 days a week) and specifically for cohort touch base meetings.