Communications Intern

Midwestern Higher Education Compact • Minneapolis, MN

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Communications Intern to help create and distribute communications for stakeholders and audiences across 11 Midwestern states. The internship offers hands-on experience in strategic communication related to higher education and public policy, including communicating the work and value of a regional organization that supports collaboration among legislators, state agencies, and higher education leaders.

Reporting to the Communications Director, the intern will support communications across print, web, email, social media, photography, and graphic design. Work may include researching and sourcing information and images, writing releases, preparing meeting materials, editing website content, taking and editing event photos, creating social media posts, building presentations, and editing and designing branded communications.

The internship runs through May, with a November-to-May duration stated in the posting. The schedule is flexible around classes and other commitments and averages 15–30 hours per week, depending on availability and project needs. The intern is expected to work in person multiple days per week at MHEC’s downtown Minneapolis office, including at least one Tuesday or Wednesday. Typical work hours are between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Compensation is $20 per hour, and transportation costs such as parking or bus fare are covered.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree and enrolled at an accredited university at the time of application, with a major in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, nonprofit administration, political science, public policy, education, or a related field; transcript verification may be requested.
• Self-starter with excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines.
• Strong understanding of how content works across mediums, including print, web, imagery, and social media.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for defined external audiences.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and professionalism, including strong editing and proofreading skills.
• Initiative in taking on new projects and learning through professional experience.
• Collaborative and customer-focused approach, contributing to a positive, team-oriented, nonpartisan work environment.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups representing different perspectives and political backgrounds.
• Ability to perform office- and computer-based work for up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to work in person multiple days per week at MHEC’s downtown Minneapolis office, with at least one in-person day on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
• Ability to commute regularly to the downtown Minneapolis office.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in policy, legislative, higher education, nonprofit, or government-related work.
• Demonstrated strategic use of communications across a variety of mediums for defined external audiences.

Responsibilities

• Generate and edit different kinds of content and communications.
• Adjust the design of presentations and communications within established templates.
• Adapt brand voice to stakeholder audiences.
• Fact-check and proofread content.
• Research topics related to higher education.
• Conduct interviews with sources and stakeholders in person, remotely, or by email.
• Prepare notes on interviews, research, and events.
• Take photos at events and edit them.
• Prepare meeting materials for MHEC’s annual state visits.
• Update and maintain contact lists for policymakers, legislative staff, higher education leaders, and nonprofit partners.
• Support communications, events, and policy teams with administrative, event, and communications tasks.
• Attend internal meetings and, when possible, external events in Minnesota.
• Participate in professional development, including informational interviews with MHEC staff, mock interviews, and personalized resume and cover letter review.

Benefits

• Transportation costs, such as parking or bus fare, are covered.
• Flexible scheduling around classes and other commitments.
• Professional development, including informational interviews, mock interviews, and personalized resume and cover letter review.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed