Sustainability Communications & Engagement Intern

Job Description

About Company

The Planet Blue Ambassador (PBA) program is an initiative across all three University of Michigan campuses (Dearborn, Flint, Ann Arbor) with a mission to inspire and empower students, staff, and faculty to engage in sustainability and climate action. The program aims to serve as a resource navigator and cultivate diverse sustainability learning experiences. At UM-Dearborn, the PBA program is housed under the Facilities Operations Department.

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Job Description, Detailed

Job Title: Sustainability Communications & Engagement Intern

Job Summary:
The intern will primarily support campus sustainability-related communications and engagement by implementing the University of Michigan-Dearborn Planet Blue Ambassador (PBA) program. Key responsibilities include creating educational and promotional communications content, organizing events, and increasing participation in the PBA training. The position requires a reliable, enthusiastic individual with strong communications skills who is passionate about environmental stewardship and positive social impact.

Reporting Structure:
The position reports to the Assistant Sustainability Programs Manager and will occasionally collaborate with sustainability students and staff from UM-Flint and UM-Ann Arbor.

Term & Commitment:
The internship term is from September 2025 to December 2025, with a potential for extension. The commitment is 10-20 hours per week, offering flexibility during exam periods.

Responsibilities:
The intern’s tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Communications:
• Assisting with the management of the Sustainability at UM-Dearborn e-newsletter and Instagram.
• Developing creative content for the e-newsletter, social media, blog, and website.
• Creating marketing materials such as flyers, posters, and infographics.
• Tracking and evaluating communications and engagement metrics.
• Events:
• Planning and leading events to foster community among sustainability-passionate students.
• Coordinating with student organizations, University departments, and local organizations for events, workshops, and tabling sessions.
• Supporting zero waste events by assisting with sorting recyclables, compostables, and general waste.
• Outreach and Education:
• Implementing improvements to the PBA online training.
• Recruiting new PBA program participants through information tabling and other outreach.
• Presenting the PBA group training to student groups upon request.
• Assisting with volunteer management as needed.

Required Qualifications:
• Must be a current UM-Dearborn student.
• Familiarity with Canva and other design and communication tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Adobe, PowerPoint slides).
• Demonstrated strong communications skills (verbal, written, digital, graphics).
• Passionate and knowledgeable about sustainability and carbon neutrality.

Desired Qualifications:
• Consistently professional in communication, punctuality, and reliability.
• Enthusiastic and outgoing, with experience leading presentations and/or meetings.
• Experience with communicating complex scientific topics to the general public.
• Strong computer skills, including Google applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Canvas, and Zoom.
• Understanding of the links between sustainability and well-being.
• Dedicated work ethic with the motivation to lead a project to completion.
• Collaborative spirit, with experience working successfully in a team environment.

How You’ll Grow:
The selected candidate will gain valuable experience in:
• Marketing
• Communication campaign management
• Education
• Community engagement
• Behavior change
• Metrics tracking

Modes of Work:
Positions eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work are determined by the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually and subject to change.

Background Screening:
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer, utilizing a third-party administrator in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement:
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.