NonDuke Student/Intern

Occupational Summary

The Office of Climate and Sustainability at Duke University seeks an undergraduate student assistant for the summer via the NCCU Summer Communication Internship program (Dr. Mac Fellowship). The Duke Climate Commitment is addressing the climate challenge with true impact through innovations in education, research, operations, external engagement and community partnerships. Duke is creating sustainable actions that place society on the path toward a resilient, flourishing net zero world for all. Within Duke, the Duke Office of Climate and Sustainability coordinates climate and sustainability efforts at Duke. The office also encompasses Duke Forest, the Campus Farm, Sarah P. Duke Gardens and the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability. Our team and units work across campus and our community for climate action and sustainability.

This is an exciting opportunity for an undergraduate communications student to gain experience in a rewarding role to advance climate and sustainability at Duke and in the community. The communications team handles websites, newsletters, social media, media relations, storytelling and more for both the Duke Climate Commitment and OCS, working across campus.

Benefits of This Internship

• Hands-on experience assisting with real-world marketing and communications projects.
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
• A portfolio of work, including content, social media strategies, and PR materials.
• Exposure to industry tools, trends, and best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Content Creation (70%)
  • Interview and write stories and profiles about students, staff, faculty, alumni
  • Curate and create newsletters
  • Create and post social media content
  • Assist with production of print and/or online publications including annual report and online e-newsletters.
  • Assist with multimedia production and graphic designs.
• Logistics and Strategy Support (30%)
  • Update websites, using Drupal content manager and Wordpress
  • Help prepare for fall 2025 communications projects.
  • Provide backup to communications team on tasks.

Projects and deliverables

• Research, write and publish at least 5 stories, such as assigned profiles, SCALE features and news about OCS and Climate Commitment.
• Assist with creating 10 social media posts.
• Create up to 10 graphics for social media.
• Assist with on-site support for SALA-Duke Summit May 20-21.
• Assist with monthly newsletters (2 per month in June, July, August = 6 total).
• Help to prepare September newsletter and back to school communications.
• Develop at least 1 creative project to inform, increase interest or inspire key audiences.
• Communicating SCALe program efforts through storytelling, developing resources to advance student learning through place-based, applied and experiential sustainability projects, and marketing program opportunities (such as mini grants) to various student, staff, and faculty audiences.
• Writing and designing content (including text, video and photo narratives) about campus and community projects/partnerships related to Sustainability and Climate Applied Learning initiatives (for social media, web, newsletters, etc.). This entails interviewing campus stakeholders.
• Other ongoing projects:
  • Assist with list management for newsletters.
  • Help audit and update websites for OCS and Climate Commitment,
  • Assist with info gathering, writing and production of annual report.
  • Assist with content gathering for newsletters.

Required Skills

Strong writing, grammar, Internet research skills; attention to detail; ability to learn and follow AP style. Proficiency expected with MS Office programs including Word and Excel. Graphic design and social media skills preferred. Photography skills and interest a plus. Essential traits include strong work ethic, deadline focus, reliability, flexibility, and collaboration. Knowledge of Canva and Adobe Creative Suite a plus. Must have reliable internet and phone connection for hybrid work.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Writing and editing skills, with attention to grammar and storytelling.
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook); experience with content management tools is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of graphic design or video editing software (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro) is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to assist with multiple tasks efficiently.
• Interest in media relations, communications, brand messaging, and digital marketing.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to learn and contribute in a team setting.
• Ability to assist in pulling and analyzing data analytics for marketing and media engagement.

Work Environment and Accommodations

This is a onsite work opportunity, with some work that will be required in person. The intern is also expected to attend a series of lunch-time informational sessions.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $0.00 to USD $0.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond thedollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).