Communication Associate (Internship)

Michigan-AFL-CIO • Lansing, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Associate is a temporary, educational position designed to provide students with exposure to labor communications work without performing bargaining-unit duties covered by the IBT Local 243 contract. The Communications Associate focuses on learning, observation, research, and administrative support, and does not include any duties regularly or historically assigned to bargaining-unit employees.
The intern will work under close supervision and will receive hands-on learning opportunities to understand how communication supports the labor movement. Under the direction of the Press Secretary or Graphic Designer, the Communications Associate(s) will assist in developing and executing earned, owned, and digital media strategies for learning purposes.

Requirements

• College students (undergraduate or masters) with minimum undergraduate sophomore standing.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to produce clear, persuasive, and compelling content per learning objectives.
• Willingness to learn and grow communications, digital media, public affairs, political campaigns, journalism and related skill sets.
• Ability to manage multiple administrative tasks.
• Commitment to strengthen Michigan’s labor movement.
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, LinkedIn) and digital publishing tools.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using digital organizing tools (Action Network, Mobilize, email CRMs, etc.)
• Basic graphic design or video editing experience (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, CapCut, etc.).
• Knowledge of Michigan politics, labor unions, or advocacy spaces.

Responsibilities

• Conduct background research on labor issues, public policy topics, or current events to support learning objectives.
• Compile research summaries, media scans, or content audits for review by supervisory staff.
• Assist with fact-checking and proofreading draft materials for learning and training purposes.
• Perform administrative tasks related to organizing digital files, tracking content calendars, or updating internal databases.
• Assist with scheduling, organizing, or documenting communications projects for instructional purposes.
• Support the preparation of draft materials (e.g., sample social media posts, mock press releases, or graphics) that are reviewed and finalized by non-intern staff.
• Complete supervised learning projects designed to build writing, editing, graphic design, or digital media skills.
• Participate in training exercises using communications tools and platforms in a non-production capacity.
• Receive feedback and coaching on drafts and sample work as part of professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern