Communications Intern @ National College Access Network


January 23, 2019


The National College Access Network is seeking a motivated junior or senior undergraduate student or a graduate student with strong writing and analytical skills and an interest in college access/success, financial aid, and/or higher education policy and advocacy.

Through this position, the intern will gain improved writing skills and learn more about higher education policy and advocacy, and how nonprofits engage in policy work.

This position is for summer 2019, starting in late May or early June. Based on performance, NCAN may extend the internship through the fall 2019 semester. The internship is part-time (20 hours per week), paid at a rate of $12 to $20 an hour, depending on a candidate’s level of education and expertise.

Responsibilities

  • Expand and promote NCAN’s policy communications and advocacy work through blog posts, newsletter articles, and collaboration with NCAN members
  • By identifying and interviewing member-served students who are accessing and succeeding in college, the intern will share stories and advocate for policies and programs including:
    • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) simplification.
    • The federal Pell Grant program for low-income students.
    • Other financial aid programs that help underserved students obtain a postsecondary education, including Federal Work-Study, AmeriCorps, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
    • College access/success organizations that support underserved students
  • The intern will also have social media duties (Twitter, Facebook, and occasionally LinkedIn and YouTube) related to these areas

Qualifications

  • Experience with education journalism, communications, or policy (either through work or completing first-year graduate studies)
  • an interest in higher education issues
  • the ability to communicate complex policy topics to a general audience
  • Strong research and writing skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, are a must
  • strong social media skills are preferred
  • must be pursuing an undergraduate- or graduate-level degree in communications, journalism, education, or a related area

Application Process

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample of 1,000 words or fewer to:

Kelly Mae Ross
Communications Manager
National College Access Network
1001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC  20036
Email: [email protected]

The application deadline is Sunday, Feb. 17 (11:59 p.m.).