Policy and Communications Intern

Project Overview

Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition (MEJC) is seeking an intern to support our Policy and Communications programming. The Policy and Communications Intern will support MEJC’s Communications Specialist in generating content for our media platforms (newsletter, social media, website, etc.) related to our policy and advocacy engagement at the federal and state level. They will also work with MEJC’s Policy program staff in tracking federal and state legislation, performing research and analysis, and generating digital content (policy briefs, one-pagers, social media toolkits) in language that is accessible to communities at the frontlines of Environmental and Climate Justice as well as decision-makers and the general public. This is a paid internship offering a $15,000 stipend with a duration of 3 months (May 15th - August 15th).

Responsibilities

The Policy & Communications intern will support MEJC’s policy team and Communications Specialist with the following:

• Produce content for MEJC’s media assets such as press releases, videos, and social media that are aligned with MEJC values, mission and vision towards the goal of mobilizing people to take action for climate justice
• Support the Communications Specialist in elevating public-facing work by MEJC staff and directly impacted people with whom we work, including testimony, press conferences, media appearances, events, and panel discussions
• Work with Policy program staff in tracking, researching, and analyzing relevant federal and state policy as well as national and statewide climate justice campaigns
• Produce content for MEJC’s media assets such as policy briefs, one-pagers, policy advocacy toolkits
• Work with the Communications Specialists and Policy program staff to craft a public response (social media, press release, etc.) on behalf of MEJC to regulatory and policy developments at the state and federal level
• Support the Communications Specialist in fact-checking and proofing MEJC’s media assets as they relate to our policy advocacy campaigns in areas such as Energy Democracy, Just Transition, Green New Deal, Justice40, and False Solutions

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate can demonstrate the following:

• Graduate student or recent grad (in Environmental Policy/Management or relevant field) seeking a summer internship
• Experience and commitment to working on racial, social, environmental and climate justice issues
• Experience working in and with racially, ethnically or socio-economically marginalized communities
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate and connect with people with various backgrounds, identities and experiences
• Strong understanding of environmental and climate policy and politics
• Ability to translate complex policy ideas into language that can mobilize people to take action
• Strong policy writing and research as well as knowledge of social media management particularly Twitter and/or Tik Tok
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage relationships with colleagues as well as external partners and stakeholders
• Commitment to raising one’s cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level