Writer/Internal Communications Intern Needed in OCEA

The Smithsonian’s Office of Communications and External Affairs has an opening for a writer intern for its Internal Communications team.

Term:

Four months, May 1, 2016 – August 31, 2016 and/or September 1 - December 31, 2013.

Internship Project Description:

Candidate will contribute no fewer than 15 feature and news stories to the Torch, a Smithsonian website and blog maintained by the Central Office of Public Affairs aimed at an internal audience of staff and volunteers. Articles will highlight the research and accomplishments of Smithsonian staff in science, art, history and culture. Duties include regular on-site editorial meetings; performing general research; conducting interviews with Smithsonian experts and staff; generating story ideas based on current events, breaking news and trending topics; meeting daily and weekly deadlines; editing and clearing copy; writing photo and video captions; and assisting with monitoring and posting to social media accounts. Duties may also include creating multimedia content such as photos, video clips and short video stories. All duties aim to further the objectives of the Smithsonian’s Office of Public Affairs in promoting the work and accomplishments of the Smithsonian’s staff.

Qualifications:

Demonstrated ability to work independently is required. Strong writing skills are required. Solid knowledge of the principles of journalism and experience in general feature writing is required. Experience writing in a variety of formats, including Q&A interviews and listicles is desired. Proficiency in AP style is preferred. Ability to create multimedia content such as photos, video clips and short video stories is preferred. Familiarity with the Smithsonian Institution is a plus.

Learning Objectives:

• Translating complex concepts, ideas and research for a lay audience into engagingly written short articles, interviews, etc.
• Writing on deadline and turning in clean, fact-checked copy
• Generating original story ideas
• Interviewing experts in the field and in a museum setting
• Creating text, graphics and video for a public website
• Working with editor to develop story ideas and social media strategy

Stipend:

$1,500

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, three writing samples, and links to your online portfolio, website, or blog, along with three professional references to Alex di Giovanni at digiovannia@si.edu no later than April 15, 2016 for summer 2016 internship session. Please put INTERN in the subject line of the email.