Communications Intern

Highly creative, artistic, driven individuals with an aptitude for writing and design are perfect candidates for this position. A solid grasp of documentary photography and the principals and elements of design is highly desired. Design experience, including familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite, is a plus. Applicants should possess a strong desire to learn, an openness to receiving and responding to feedback and creative direction, and an ability to work independently with minimal supervision. The intern is expected to provide his or her own laptop and digital camera with lens/lenses.

The Communications Internship requires a consecutive 10-week commitment starting Tuesday, May 26th and ending Saturday, August 1st, 2020. The internship requires 20 hours a week. Work hours will be 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

Interns will be required to present their final project as part of a DLC Intern Symposium on Saturday, August 1st, 2020.

Final project:
With guidance from the Director of Communications, the Communications Intern will assist with the creation of a full-color printed magazine (minimum 36 pages) showcasing the history and three-pronged mission (research, education, conservation) of the Duke Lemur Center. In doing so, the intern will consult with various departments, shadow and interview staff, write articles in an appropriate style, gather images, create infographics, and lay out the final magazine according to DLC and Duke University style guidelines. This is a fantastic opportunity to build self-confidence, practice project management, and hone writing and design skills while producing a final project worthy of a professional portfolio. The 2019 magazine, created with assistance from 2019 communications intern Will Goodwin, may be viewed HERE.

Additional responsibilities:
Internship responsibilities may vary based on the interests and professional goals of the selected intern. Possibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
-Researching stories, including online research and interviewing and shadowing DLC staff
-Assisting with electronic newsletters, including planning, research, writing, photography, and layout/design
-Producing short, compelling videos to better tell the DLC story (concept development, scripting, storyboards, filming, post-production/editing)
-Writing, publishing, and sharing engaging content on the DLC website and blog
-Designing flyers, graphics, webpages, and other marketing materials for special events, tours, and general brand awareness
If the intern desires, the Director of Communications will assist him or her with creating a professional website to showcase the intern’s photographs, articles, and other projects (digital portfolio).

Application:
In addition to the application and letters of reference, applicants should submit a digital portfolio of relevant work (photos, design, etc. – maximum of 10 pieces) and two writing samples.

Ideally, at least one writing sample should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to research a topic, then pull everything together into a coherent and engaging narrative for the general (non-scientific) public; for example, a research-based blog post or newspaper article.

Digital portfolios should be sent either (1) via link to the applicant’s personal website; (2) via link to a dedicated Dropbox folder; or (3) by attaching a single PDF file. If submitting via Dropbox, all images must be in JPEG format with a maximum file size of 3.0 MB per image. If submitting a selection of your work via PDF, we suggest a couple of pages totaling no more than 2 MB.

REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must either be currently attending college or graduated within the last three years. Applicants must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral instruction and have effective communication and interpersonal skills. Applicants must be able to lift 30 pounds.

This is an unpaid internship. Housing and transportation are not provided. Interns must have their own transportation to the DLC. Proof of current health insurance is required. Proof of a current negative TB test, documentation of two doses of the measles vaccine (or MMR or measles titer), and health insurance is required. Upon acceptance, each intern will be required to pay a $15 health clearance fee.

To apply to the Communications Internship, please complete and submit the application below. Applications will be accepted until March 1st, 2020. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. A current resume, two letters of recommendation, writing samples, and your portfolio must be received by the deadline for an application to be complete. The application allows you to list the contact information for two references. The listed contacts should send letters of reference directly to the Student Program Coordinator, Erin Hecht (erin.hecht@duke.edu). The applicant should also send their resume and other application materials to erin.hecht@duke.edu.