U.S. Communications Intern | Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
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U.S. Communications Intern

Nov 19, 2021


Department: U.S. Programs - Communications
Hours: Up to 29 hours per week 
Potential Start Date: January 3, 2022
Duration:  Up to 980 hours in one calendar year
Compensation: Competitive hourly salary
Location: Washington, D.C.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is the leading advocacy organization to reduce tobacco use and its deadly consequences around the world. Through strategic communications and policy advocacy campaigns, we promote the adoption of proven solutions that are most effective at reducing tobacco use and save the most lives. 

The U.S. Communications intern will be fully integrated into the U.S. Communications team, joining a fast-paced team charged with developing, implementing and supporting media advocacy campaigns aimed at reducing the death and disease caused by tobacco. The selected candidate will be expected to assist on both substantive communications and administrative projects – and will have the opportunity to learn about U.S. policy advocacy campaigns and effective media advocacy strategies. The U.S. communications intern will report to the U.S. Director of Media Relations 

Primary Duties

  • Draft communication materials including press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor and social media content
  • Monitor and compile media clips related to ongoing policy work
  • Work with the communications team to research, identify and contact key media contacts
  • Participate and contribute ideas in brainstorming sessions and meetings
  • Provide administrative and research support as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills Required  

  • Experience in public relations, public affairs, social media and/or communications at large
  • Strong interest in public health and/or tobacco-related issues
  • General knowledge of the U.S. media landscape and curiosity/understanding about what shapes news stories
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, including editing and proofing with a strong attention to detail
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage projects both individually and as a team
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while juggling multiple projects and deadlines
  • Digital fluency (e.g., ability to use Microsoft products, use social media and quickly learn new software)
  • Previous experience and interest in advocacy-related issues is a plus
  • Fluency in Spanish is a plus

To Apply

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and two writing samples (e.g., press release/pitch, social media content, op-ed, blog/article, or other communications materials; please refrain from sending academic writing samples). Please include your availability and potential start date in your cover letter. The selected candidate for this position must be available for in-person work in the Washington, DC office by January 11, 2022. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. 

Please email all application materials to: dlemmon@tobaccofreekids.org with “Internship – U.S. Communications” as the subject. 

No phone calls, please.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity. 

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, celebrating its 25th Anniversary, is a leader in the fight to reduce tobacco use in the United States and around the world. By changing public attitudes and public policies on tobacco, the Campaign works to prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke. A non-profit organization established in 1996, the Campaign works with more than 130 organizational partners, including public health, medical, education, civic, corporate, youth, parent and religious organizations. The Campaign does not accept any government or tobacco industry funding.