Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants
AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The McCourtney Institute for Democracy in the College of the Liberal Arts is seeking a curious and creative student who is passionate about social media and eager to help us expand our reach. The McCourtney Institute and our partners in The Democracy Group network produce a lot of long-form content and we’re looking for someone who can help us translate it into formats that will resonate with social media audiences.
The Social Media Intern will create a variety of short-form social media content across multiple accounts to educate the public about what we do and why it’s important to care about democracy. This position offers an opportunity for students interested in marketing, social media, and content creation to gain hands-on professional experience while learning about the work of The McCourtney Institute, The Democracy Group, and the democracy sector more broadly.
Review podcast episodes, event recordings, and other content to identify and pull engaging clips; package clips appropriately for Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms.
Research relevant social media trends and platform best practices and recommend opportunities to strengthen content and engagement by engaging with those trends.
Identify and develop content opportunities with partners in The Democracy Group and the College of the Liberal Arts.
Capture photos and videos at events and activities as needed.
Collaborate with team members to gather content ideas and source information.
Track content performance and help identify what resonates with audiences.
Assist with other marketing and communications projects as needed.
Current Penn State undergraduate student
Strong visual and written communication skills
Familiarity with major social media platforms and an understanding of how content differs across channels.
An understanding of what will resonate with younger audiences.
Curiosity about the work of the McCourtney Institute and the democracy field.
Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively.
Proficiency in Canva, CapCut, and the Adobe Creative Suite preferred.
Previous experience managing or working on social media for an organization is preferred.
Starting rate of $15 per hour for 10-15 hours per week
Most of the work can be completed remotely on a flexible schedule. We will work around classes and other commitments.
The intern should be available for a weekly in-person meeting with the internship supervisor in the Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building
The ideal candidate will be available during the fall and spring semesters
To apply, please submit:
A resume
A brief cover letter describing your interest in the role
Three to five examples of social media content you have created. Examples can be for your own account and/or professional accounts you’ve previously managed
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
