Communications/Public Relations Intern (Media)
Colorado PERA seeks a dedicated and passionate Communications/Public Relations intern to assist with external and internal communications. The intern will work with a 16-member Communications team with writing, research, design and marketing. The position is up to 20 hours per week from June through December and is flexible to accommodate academic schedules. The internship is designed to provide professional experience and develop communications skills; it does not require academic credit to be earned.
ABOUT US
We are Colorado's public pension fund committed to providing secure and sustainable retirement benefits for public employees. Our communications team plays a vital role in informing and engaging our stakeholders, including members, retirees, the media, policymakers, and the public.
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Communications/Public Relations Intern to join our team. This internship offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public-sector communications, media relations, digital marketing, and content creation.
The ideal candidate will be a current college student or recent graduate with a background in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Draft, edit, and proofread press releases, news advisories, and other public-facing content
- Assist in creating content for social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook)
- Support the development of email marketing campaigns and newsletters
- Contribute to website content updates and assist with basic web content management
- Monitor media coverage and assist in preparing media reports
- Research communication trends and best practices
- Assist with event coordination, internal communications, and other entry-level communications tasks as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program or a recent graduate in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field
- Strong writing and editing skills, with attention to detail
- Basic understanding of media relations, AP Style and press release writing
- Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication strategies
- Experience with email marketing tools (e.g., SendGrid, Mailchimp, Constant Contact) is a plus
- Knowledge of website content management systems is a plus (e.g., WordPress)
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a professional environment
BENEFITS
- Gain valuable experience working with a public sector communications team
- Build a portfolio of professional writing and digital content
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments
- Opportunity to network with communications and policy professionals
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Standard office environment with regular computer and telephone use
- All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry
WORK FROM HOME OPTION
- Opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.
JOB DESCRIPTION DISCLAIMER:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned with or without notice.
INTERESTED CANDIDATES
Complete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume and cover letter available to upload. Please review the following questions. You will be asked for a response to these as part of your application:
- Describe your experience/course work in public relations.
- Describe your experience creating content to encourage awareness, engagement or calls to action.
- Explain why you would like an internship at Colorado PERA.
As part of the application process we would like you to submit two writing samples. Please send your samples via e-mail directly to asailer@copera.org.
ABOUT COLORADO PERA
As Colorado's largest public pension plan, we are committed to providing retirement and other benefits to more than 700,000 current and former teachers, State Troopers, corrections officers, snowplow drivers, and many other public employees who provide valuable service to all of Colorado.
We hire exceptional employees and invest in their growth and development. We are passionate about our work and committed to serving our members by delivering quality customer service, sound investment decisions, and education programs. Our culture is built on the core values of integrity and accountability, excellence and initiative, collaboration, and engagement. We value diverse perspectives and recognize that our people are our primary asset. We provide a healthy work-life balance and a culture where excellence is rewarded. At PERA, your work makes a difference every day.
At PERA, you will earn more than just a paycheck- our total rewards package is focused on wellbeing. We offer a comprehensive benefit plan including Health, Dental and Vision coverage, with eligibility for most plans being the first of the month following the date of hire. We offer a generous paid time off plan as well as paid volunteer hours, PERA's defined benefit plan, 401(k) and 457 defined contribution plans (including employer match on the 401(k), as applicable), tuition assistance, on-the-job training, free access to an on-site fitness center, free on-site parking or RTD subsidy, and more. For more information, please visit www.copera.org/careers.
Position Title: Communications/Public Relations Intern
Division: Communications
Reports to: Senior Director of Communications
Job Status: Internship / Part-time / Non-exempt
Salary: $20 hourly
Posting Dates: 04/25/2025 – 05/11/2025
