Institute for Higher Education Policy

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research, policy, and advocacy organization committed to building a more equitable and just society through higher education. Through research, advocacy, policy development, and field engagement, IHEP drives systemic change in higher education to advance equitable outcomes and generational impact for communities historically marginalized on the basis of race, ethnicity or income.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

IHEP is seeking a communications intern to join our team for the summer term (May/June-August 2024). The communications and government affairs team amplifies the impact of our research and policy work by creating strategic communications to reach key audiences. IHEP focuses on federal, state, and institutional policies related to racial and socioeconomic equity; postsecondary data and transparency; college access, affordability, success, and value; and projects that further the practical application of promising practices that drive postsecondary attainment for all students, particularly Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and underserved Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students and students from low-income backgrounds. We do this through strategic use of both online and offline mechanisms, including traditional press engagement, editorial content development, digital and multimedia, and advocacy materials/efforts to reach specific audiences, including policymakers. In this role, interns are likely to participate in team and staff meetings, play a key role in developing and executing our communications strategies. The communications intern will collaborate with researchers, policy analysts, and other staff to translate complex research findings into clear and compelling messages for diverse audiences.

Although IHEP is headquartered in Washington, D.C., we maintain a hybrid environment that facilitates both virtual and in-person work. We welcome remote applicants for this position.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Content Creation: Develop creative and engaging content for various communications channels, including social media, website, newsletters, and blog posts.
• Media relations: Support media outreach efforts by drafting talking points, tracking news coverage of state and federal higher education issues and policies, pitching stories that highlight IHEP’s research and expertise, and building relationships with journalists.
• Social media management: Assist in developing and implementing social media strategies to amplify IHEP research, drive engagement, and engage with our target audiences.
• Event Support: Assist with promoting and supporting external presentations, events, and convenings by creating materials and managing logistics (as needed).
• Data Analysis: Analyze social media data, email marketing metrics, and website traffic to measure the effectiveness of communication campaigns and identify areas for improvement.
• Other tasks that support efforts to increase understanding of the need for improved access to and success in higher education.

QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCES: We are looking for a combination of the following skills and experience:

• Availability to work 20-40 hours per week through the summer (May/June-August 2024) during our core business hours of M-F 9:00-5:00pm eastern time.
• A strong writer with excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to craft clear and concise messages for diverse audiences;
• Experience writing outside of academia, for example: blog posts, newsletters, for a school paper, etc. 
• Interest in and/or familiarity with strategic communications, public policy, social media (Twitter/X and LinkedIn) and/or public relations;
• Desire to work in an equity-minded, advocacy environment, and an interest in education policy and/or practice;
• A critical thinker who is self-motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively;
• Excellent organizational and follow-through skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook);
• Preferred, but not required:
  • Knowledge of communications platforms (e.g., Wordpress, Constant Contact, Cision, Google Analytics, Canva);
  • Experience or study in graphic design, photography, or videography.

WORKING at IHEP:

IHEP recognizes that a talented and diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce benefits individuals, partners, and IHEP as a whole. We recognize that all employees bring their own capabilities, experiences, and characteristics to their work. IHEP believes in treating all individuals with respect and dignity and strives to achieve a supportive environment in which all employees reach their maximum potential. At IHEP, diversity encompasses differences including, but not limited to, those of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, religion, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family responsibilities, experience, and education. The wide array of perspectives that results from such diversity promotes innovation and business success, further supporting the organization’s mission.

HOW TO APPLY:

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should apply through this website and provide:

1. a cover letter
2. a resume
3. a list of at least three references (including at least one direct supervisor)

We will review applications on a rolling basis, but have a priority deadline to apply by March 31.  

The Institute for Higher Education Policy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity in all facets of the organization’s work.