Sustainability Communications & Engagement Intern

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How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. 

The cover letter should be attached as the first page of your resume. 

Your cover letter should address why you are interested in the position and outline skills and experience that relate to this position.

Job Summary

The student selected for this position will support campus sustainability-related communications and engagement by implementing the University of Michigan-Dearborn Planet Blue Ambassador (PBA) program. The Sustainability Communications & Engagement Intern will create educational and promotional communications content, organize events, and increase participation in the Planet Blue Ambassador training. This position reports to the Assistant Sustainability Programs Manager and occasionally collaborates with sustainability students and staff from UM-Flint and UM-Ann Arbor.
 

  • The selected candidate is expected to be reliable, enthusiastic about environmental stewardship and positive social impact, and have strong communications skills. 
  • The position requires a 10-20 hour per week commitment, with flexibility during exam periods.
  • The term for this internship is September 2025 - December 2025, with the potential for extension.

Who We Are

The Planet Blue Ambassador (PBA) program?s mission is to inspire and empower U-M students, staff, & faculty across all three campuses (Dearborn, Flint, Ann Arbor) to engage in sustainability and climate action by serving as a resource navigator and cultivator of diverse sustainability learning experiences. At UM-Dearborn, the PBA program is housed under the Facilities Operations Department.

Responsibilities*

The person selected for this position may be asked to perform tasks beyond those listed below.

Communications

  • Help manage the Sustainability at UM-Dearborn e-newsletter and Instagram.
  • Develop creative content for our e-newsletter, social media, blog, and website.
  • Create marketing materials such as flyers, posters, and infographics.
  • Track and evaluate communications and engagement metrics.


Events

  • Plan and lead events that foster a sense of community among students who are passionate about sustainability.
  • Coordinate with student organizations, University departments, and local organizations to host events and workshops, and participate in tabling sessions.
  • Support zero waste events as needed, including sorting recyclables, compostables, and waste.


Outreach and Education

  • Implement improvements to the PBA online training.
  • Recruit new PBA program participants via information tabling events and other outreach opportunities.
  • Present the PBA group training to student groups when requested.
  • Help manage volunteers as necessary.

Required Qualifications*

  • Current UM-Dearborn student.
  • Familiarity with Canva and other design and communication tools (e.g. Mailchimp, Adobe, powerpoint slides, etc.)
  • Strong communications skills (verbal, written, digital, graphics, etc.)
  • Passionate and knowledgeable about sustainability and carbon neutrality.

Desired Qualifications*

  • Consistently professional with regard to communication, punctuality, and reliability. 
  • Enthusiastic and outgoing? experience with leading presentations and/or meetings.
  • Experience with communicating complex scientific topics to the general public.
  • Strong computer skills, including Google applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Canvas, and Zoom.
  • Understands the links between sustainability and well-being.
  • Dedicated work ethic with the motivation to lead a project and see it through to completion.
  • Collaborative spirit?experience with working successfully in a team environment.

How You'll Grow

The chosen candidate will gain experience in marketing, communication campaign management, education, community engagement, behavior change, and metrics tracking.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.