Social Media Intern - McCourtney Institute Democracy

Social Media Intern

The Social Media Intern will create a variety of short-form social media content across multiple accounts to educate the public about what we do and why it’s important to care about democracy. This position offers an opportunity for students interested in marketing, social media, and content creation to gain hands‑on professional experience while learning about the work of The McCourtney Institute, The Democracy Group, and the democracy sector more broadly.

Review podcast episodes, event recordings, and other content to identify and pull engaging clips; package clips appropriately for Instagram, Linked In, and other platforms. Research relevant social media trends and platform best practices and recommend opportunities to strengthen content and engagement by engaging with those trends. Identify and develop content opportunities with partners in The Democracy Group and the College of the Liberal Arts.

Capture photos and videos at events and activities as needed. Collaborate with team members to gather content ideas and source information. Track content performance and help identify what resonates with audiences. Assist with other marketing and communications projects as needed.

• Current Penn State undergraduate student
• Strong visual and written communication skills
• Familiarity with major social media platforms and an understanding of how content differs across channels
• An understanding of what will resonate with younger audiences
• Curiosity about the work of the McCourtney Institute and the democracy field
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency in Canva, Cap Cut, and the Adobe Creative Suite preferred
• Previous experience managing or working on social media for an organization is preferred

Starting rate of $15 per hour for 10-15 hours per week. Most of the work can be completed remotely on a flexible schedule. We will work around classes and other commitments. The intern should be available for a weekly in‑person meeting with the internship supervisor in the Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building. The ideal candidate will be available during the fall and spring semesters.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

The ASR is available for review here.

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