Public Affairs Intern Fall 2024

Job DescriptionJob Description
Title: Public Affairs Intern

Position Reports To: Senior Director of Communications and Marketing

Direct Reports: None

Timeframe: Orientation: Monday, August 19, 2024

• Internship: Monday, August 19 - Friday, December 20, 2024

About Butterfly Pavilion:

At Butterfly Pavilion, we transform the way people think about invertebrates. These small but mighty animals that surround us are so much more than people think. They are everywhere because everything depends on them. They are the hidden heroes of the animal kingdom. As the leader in invertebrate research, education, and conservation, Butterfly Pavilion works to foster an appreciation of these critical animals by educating the public about the need to protect and care for threatened habitats globally, while conducting research for solutions in invertebrate conservation. Whether it is providing unique, hands-on learning experiences in our exhibits and educational programs, conducting new research that sets the standard for zoos across the country or building innovative solutions for species and habitat conservation in countries around the world, Butterfly Pavilion is leading the way in ensuring invertebrates are protected for the future.   

Looking forward, we are committed to providing the most enriching experience for our audience, being recognized as a scientific authority, and being a leading educational resource on invertebrates. Butterfly Pavilion is currently engaged in a $55 million Capital Campaign to expand Butterfly Pavilion into a new global, state-of-the-art research, education, and conservation hub breaking ground in 2025.  

Our Core Values are a large part of who we are as an organization:

• Make Science Cool
• Love What You Do
• Go Above and Beyond
• Lead Change
• Know Your Stuff
• Be Positive
• Welcome All

These aren't just words, but words to live by here at Butterfly Pavilion.

Commitment: 12-15 hours per week for a minimum of 3 months. The weekly schedule is flexible to accommodate class and work schedules.

Stipend: Unpaid; school credit can be earned for this internship in most cases.

Position Summary: Butterfly Pavilion is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Public Affairs Intern to join our team. As a Public Affairs Intern, you will work closely with our Senior Director of Communications and Marketing to support various research, advocacy, and communications efforts. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public affairs, while contributing to our goals of promoting environmental conservation and raising awareness about the importance of invertebrates.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Research and Analysis:

• Conduct research on environmental policies, regulations, stakeholders, legislation, and industry trends.
• Gather and analyze data to support initiatives and policy positions.
• Assist in compiling and organizing relevant research materials and reports.
• Track legislation that is key to Butterfly Pavilion initiatives.

Communications Support and Content Creation:

• Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop materials that effectively communicate Butterfly Pavilion's initiatives and accomplishments with a public affairs focus.
• Support the development of press releases, fact sheets, and other communication materials as needed.
• Conduct media monitoring and compile relevant news articles and coverage.
• Assist in developing and updating media contact lists.

Event and Project Support:

• Assist in planning and organizing public affairs events and activities.
• Work with Donor Relations Team to manage and plan legislative events.

Administrative Tasks:

• Assist with scheduling meetings, taking meeting minutes, and managing calendars.
• Support the coordination of internal and external communications.
• Help maintain databases, stakeholder profiles, and contact lists.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications, or a related field.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with social media platforms.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for environmental conservation and promoting sustainable practices.

Benefits:

• Gain practical experience in public affairs, research, and communications within a nonprofit organization.
• Opportunity to work alongside professionals in the field and learn from their expertise.
• Networking opportunities with professionals.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate academic commitments.

Additional Requirements: Has own laptop with internet connection.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

While performing the responsibilities of this position, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the position will encounter. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• At Butterfly Pavilion, the team member is occasionally exposed to moderate to loud environmental noise for extended periods of time. While performing the responsibilities of this position, the team member is required to talk and hear. The team member is often required to sit and stand, use their hands and fingers, to handle/feel/grasp. The team member is occasionally required to reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The team member should be able to lift, carry and items up to 50 lbs.

Deadline for application: Open until filled.  

How to Apply:

Butterfly Pavilion encourages people of all backgrounds to apply for open positions and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or veteran status.

Fill out the form to the right and click "Apply for this Position" to start the application process. Must submit a cover letter and resume.

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