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Position:CommunicationsAssociate Internship
Reports To:Press Secretary or Graphic Designer
Job Type:Internship/Fellowship
Work Location:Hybrid (based in Lansing)
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The CommunicationsAssociateis a temporary, educational position designed to provide students with exposure to labor communications work without performing bargaining-unit duties covered by the IBT Local 243 contract. The CommunicationsAssociatefocuses on learning, observation, research, and administrative support, and does not includeany duties regularly or historically assigned to bargaining-unit employees.
The intern will work under close supervision and will receive hands-on learning opportunities to understand how communication supports the labor movement. Under the direction of the Press Secretary or Graphic Designer, the CommunicationsAssociate(s)willassistin developing and executing earned, owned, and digital media strategies for learning purposes.
TIME COMMITMENT & COMPENSATION
This is a part-time, paid opportunity.
Contribute a minimum of 10 hours per week, though availability for 20 hours per week is preferred.
Interns are expected to work 12-14 weekson periods consistent with fall, spring, and summer college semester schedules.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Associate internship is structured as alearning and training opportunityand is not intended to replace, supplement, or perform work assigned to bargaining-unit employees covered by the IBT Local 243 collective bargaining agreement. Responsibilities are limited toeducational, observational, research, and administrative support activitiesperformed under close supervision.
Research & Academic Support
Conduct background research on labor issues, public policy topics, or current events to support learningobjectives.
Compile research summaries, media scans, or content audits for review by supervisory staff.
Assistwith fact-checking and proofreading draftmaterialsfor learning and training purposes.
Administrative & Training-Based Assistance
Perform administrative tasks related to organizing digital files, tracking content calendars, or updating internal databases.
Assistwith scheduling, organizing, or documenting communications projects for instructional purposes.
Support the preparation of draft materials (e.g., sample social media posts, mock press releases, or graphics) that are reviewed andfinalizedby non-intern staff.
Skill Development Projects
Complete supervised learning projects designed to build writing, editing, graphic design, or digital media skills.
Participate in training exercises using communications tools and platforms in anon-production capacity.
Receive feedback and coaching on drafts and sample work as part of professional development.
QUALIFICATIONS:
College students (undergraduate or masters) withminimumundergraduate sophomore standing.
Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to produce clear, persuasive, and compelling content per learningobjectives.
Willingness to learn and grow communications, digital media, public affairs, political campaigns,journalismand related skill sets.
Ability to manage multiple administrative tasks.
Commitment to strengthen Michigan’s labor movement.
Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, LinkedIn) and digital publishing tools.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience using digital organizing tools (Action Network, Mobilize, email CRMs, etc.)
Basic graphic design or video editing experience (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, CapCut, etc.)
Knowledge of Michigan politics, labor unions, or advocacy spaces.
HOW TO APPLY
Pleasesubmitthe following to with the subject line “CommunicationsAssociate Intern – Your Name”: Arsum,brief coverletter,3 writing or digital media samples (social media, press releases, op-eds, or similar from school or work).Include at least one piece of writing that exceeds a page (usean academic paper, if necessary).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION - EEOC
Our organization is an equal opportunity employer andseeksto build diversity among our officers, staff, and members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ, veterans, and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply.
ORGANIZATION
The Michigan AFL-CIO is a non-profit federation of more than forty labor unions representing over 1 million working people across Michigan. Our mission is to improve the lives of working familiesto bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our state and the nation. Employees of the Michigan AFL-CIO may work in collaboration with one, or all, of our affiliated nonprofit organizations in the Federation, including:
Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute: our affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization wasestablishedto combat economic and environmental injustice by connecting the unemployed or underemployed with the training and resources necessary to find gainful employment and transition Michigan to a cleaner, greener economy.
Michigan AFL-CIO Labor Foundation: our affiliated 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organizationestablishedto combat economic and social injustice by connecting the working people with resources within Michigan’s charitable,educationaland legal systems.
Michigan AFL-CIO Advocates: our affiliated 501(c)(4) non-profit organization wasestablishedto unite labor leaders, policymakers, and the public to educate and advocate for policies, programs, and projects to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to communities across Michigan.
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