Jobs at University Communications

University Communications and Marketing (UCAM) is hiring two positions available with concentrations in writing, graphic design, media tracking, and/or social media planning and production. The interns must be available to work between 10 and 15 hours per week as a hybrid, with possible remote option in summer.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong interest in learning more about the tools and strategies used by UCAM — the central communications office at Michigan State University. Strong candidates will be able to provide accurate, clear, and compelling public information about MSU’s news, research and administrative activities; to use analytics to examine success and make informed future decisions; and to support the MSU identity by maintaining a high level of quality and consistency across a broad range of multimedia materials.

The candidate will have the opportunity to fully participate in the work of the Public Relations Information group within UCAM, assisting the public relations group with a combination of the following projects: website content management and posting; release sending and tagging through PR database platform (Cision); compiling distribution strategies for sending and pitching news releases; drafting social media posts; and opportunities to undertake writing projects. The hope is this experience will provide the opportunity for a future career in journalism, marketing, publication relations and or communications.

The mix of projects will be dictated by departmental needs and timelines, but every effort will be made to provide candidates with projects and skills of most interest to them. A student's skills and interests will be considered when assigning tasks and projects. The goal is for students to have soft and hard skills necessary for a career in communications or public relations.

As needed, support may be required to perform the same duties for the UCAM Issues or executive communications group. Depending on the candidate’s skill for mastering duties listed above, there may be opportunities to assist with writing content and editorial decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Multiple positions will share these responsibilities and may involve support from staff as needed.

• Assist in uploading and updating website content on MSUToday website
• Assist in tagging and reporting out on ongoing news coverage in PR management platform
• Upload, format and distribute news releases via PR management and distribution platforms
• Upload images and caption downloads to Digital Asset Management system
• Distribute releases via PR management platform, Cision
• Assist in gathering materials for media lists and outreach, as well as monitoring news
• Undertaking research, writing and editing projects as needed
• Planning and drafting social media posts for News account, as well as posting content to account
• Assist with maintaining PR distribution lists and tracking incoming media requests
• Assist with creating weekly media highlights email distribution
• Write and draft stories, content and pitches as needed
• Provide support at needed for updating MSU’s expert database

Desired Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a BA in English, communications, marketing, public relations or journalism preferred
• Keen sensitivity to written and spoken language, including individual and institutional voice
• Discretion and tact in dealing with sensitive or confidential information
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and adequate communication
• Attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, collaborative working style, and flexibility involving having one’s work edited
• Willingness to learn, ask questions and accept suggestions
• Comfort with technology, and conversant in Microsoft Office/Sharepoint programs. Candidates are not required to have previous knowledge of website and content management, but are a plus with experience such as Sitecore, Cision, Sprinklr, and EurekAlert

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Written Statement
   

The Written Statement should be about what you hope to learn from this experience and include examples of any related written communication links if you have them. Your submission can include blogs, social media posts, design, or media work. 

If selected for an interview, there will be a task assigned to provide an example of work you will assist with completing.  

How to Apply

Please send all required application materials to Jack Harrison, public relations coordinator, at harr1565@msu.edu.