Communications Manager (Internship)

Role: Communications Manager

Under the Guidance of: Director of External Affairs

Mission Statement:

Electric Potential empowers youth from historically marginalized communities by providing comprehensive training in media literacy, storytelling, and journalism.

Our mission is to equip these youth with the skills, mentorship, and professional networks necessary to become leading media professionals, journalists, and thought leaders. We aim to revolutionize the media landscape by fostering new standards of excellence and inclusivity through pioneering frameworks in content research, writing, editing, designing, and publishing. By producing high-quality, impactful content on social issues, we strive to drive social change and contribute to a more diverse and equitable media industry.

Role Overview: The Communications Manager at Electric Potential is responsible for managing the Communications team, which includes PR interns and copywriter interns. This role ensures that all communications efforts, including media relations, PR strategies, brand management, and storytelling, align with our mission of empowering youth through media literacy and storytelling. The Communications Manager will develop and execute PR strategies, manage the organization’s reputation, create compelling content, and foster an environment of innovation. This position requires strong communication skills, leadership abilities, and a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

Duration: 6 months, with the option to commit longer based on performance. This role has a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage the Communications team, including PR interns and copywriter interns.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive PR and media relations strategy to increase Electric Potential's visibility and enhance its reputation.
• Identify and pursue relevant media opportunities, including interviews, articles, speaking engagements, and other platforms, to showcase the organization's work and impact.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with key media contacts, influencers, and industry thought leaders.
• Craft compelling press releases, media advisories, and other communication materials to promote Electric Potential's initiatives, achievements, and events.
• Monitor and respond to media inquiries and coverage, ensuring accurate and timely communication.
• Develop and maintain Electric Potential's brand identity and messaging, ensuring consistency across all communication channels.
• Monitor and manage the organization's online presence and reputation, addressing any potential issues or crises promptly and effectively.
• Collaborate with the Digital Media team to align PR efforts with overall marketing and branding initiatives.
• Develop compelling content, including case studies, success stories, and thought leadership pieces, to showcase Electric Potential's impact and expertise.
• Leverage various communication channels, such as the organization's website, social media platforms, and email newsletters, to share these stories and engage with stakeholders.
• Participate in strategic planning sessions, providing insights and recommendations to optimize PR and communication efforts and align with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with the Chief External Affairs Officer, Executive Director, Director of External Affairs, and other stakeholders to ensure PR and communication activities support and complement programmatic initiatives and fundraising efforts.
• Set and monitor PR and communication goals, regularly reporting on progress, challenges, and opportunities to relevant stakeholders.

Requirements:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, and/or proven experience as a communications manager or similar role.
• Strong understanding of media relations, PR strategies, and brand management.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Proficiency with communication tools and software.
• Experience with social media management, content creation, and public relations preferred.
• Experience with Notion preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an asynchronous remote environment.
• Ability to attend monthly 1:1 meeting with the Director of External Affairs.
• Ability to lead weekly department or team meetings.
• Ability to attend weekly all leadership meetings.
• Ability to attend bi-weekly all hands meetings.

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship/volunteer role.

Benefits: Flexible schedule, academic credit (if applicable), networking and relationship building, and resume-building experience. The Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is available to those who qualify.

Electric Potential is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action organization. We welcome and strongly encourage applications from people of color, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, veterans, and women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented. Electric Potential does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.