Social Media Virtual Intern (Summer 2022)
Smithsonian Associates Social Media Virtual Intern
ABOUT SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES
For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Associates—the largest museum-based education program in the world—has produced vibrant educational and cultural programming that brings the Smithsonian to life. Inspired by the Smithsonian’s research, collections, and exhibitions, each year nearly 1,000 public programs spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages.
Students should consult with academic faculty to determine if this unpaid experience will earn credit.
INTERN DUTIES
- Create new content and research relevant content to publish to Smithsonian Associates’ Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts
- Maintain schedule/editorial calendar for social media accounts
- Research and implement new creative strategies for expanding social media reach
- Attend Associates events to develop content for social media platforms
- Assist with monitoring and reporting on the success of social media initiatives
- Monitor comments; engage followers in conversation
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Create images and educational content for social media platforms to communicate with target audiences
- Gain experience in representing the Smithsonian brand
- Network with interns and staff in Smithsonian Associates and across the Smithsonian
PRE-REQUISITES
- Enthusiastic about social media
- Excellent research and writing skills
- Professional demeanor, organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and complete assigned tasks within identified timeframes
- Keen attention to detail when proofreading, copyediting, and fact-checking
- Comfortable utilizing Facebook, Twitter, Tweetdeck, Instagram, and Hootsuite
- Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Ability to take and upload digital photos; photography experience a plus
TIME COMMITMENT
20 hours/week minimum; one full semester
SCHEDULE
Monday to Friday, timing flexible
MENTOR
Lauren Lyons, Social Media and Digital Marketing Specialist
COMPENSATION
All Associates internships are unpaid and housing is not provided. College credit may be granted, but must be coordinated in advance with the intern's university/college.
LOCATION
Remote
REQUESTED DOCUMENTS
Prospective interns are required to submit the following:
1. Application for Smithsonian Institute Internships
2. Two letters of recommendation (usually from professors)
3. A short essay (no more than 3 pages) addressing the following points:
_Your past and present academic history and other experiences which you feel have prepared you for an internship.
_What you hope to accomplish through an internship, and how it would relate to your academic and career goals.
_What about Smithsonian Associates in particular interests you and leads you to apply for an internship.
4. Most recent transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
5. Resume
Interns at the Smithsonian are required to undergo a security background investigation and fingerprinting through the Office of Protection Services before they are accepted into an internship.
All academic appointees must be fully vaccinated for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized (or, for international remote interns, a WHO-recommended) COVID-19 vaccine or have an approved Reasonable Accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements. Please see additional information regarding reasonable accommodations here. https://ofi.si.edu/internship-opportunities/
SEASONS
• Winter/Spring: January to May
• Summer: June to August
• Fall: September to December
APPLICATION DEADLINES
To be considered in the first round of applications, please submit your materials by the following dates:
• Winter/Spring Positions: October 1
• Summer Positions: February 1
• Fall Positions: July 1
Applications received after these dates will still be considered on an as-needed basis.
SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES WEBSITE
Intern positions at Smithsonian Associates are available year-round. For more information go to https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/internships/start.aspx
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT
Ms. Heather Jaran
Intern Coordinator
Phone: 202-633-8623
TSAInternships@si.edu