CNAY is Hiring a Communications Intern

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) is looking for an intern to join our team and support our communications efforts. This opportunity is designed to provide hands-on, practical experience within a defined timeframe.

ABOUT US

Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Since its founding in 1949, the Institute has been driving change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most critical challenges facing communities in the United States and around the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

To achieve our mission of a more free, just, and equitable society, we commit to working proactively to advance the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our myriad endeavors such as the recruitment, compensation, training, and advancement of staff. The best people-serving institutions make this commitment, and we seek to be a leader in the ways that we do so and learn from others. Visit our website to learn more about our commitment and recent actions taken toward building and nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment.

Center for Native American Youth (CNAY)

Founded in 2011, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national education and advocacy organization that works alongside Native youth ages 24 and under on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety and overall well-being. CNAY was inspired by former Senator Byron Dorgan of North Dakota to uplift Native American youth within the broader leadership and social policy platforms of the Aspen Institute. Today, CNAY runs five fellowship programs, two initiatives, conducts research studies, and is a key partner in local, national and international conferences engaging Native youth in policy and narrative change. The Program has created a robust, connected community of Native youth across Indian Country who engage with each other, creating community and confidence to improve their futures. Rooted in culture, CNAY’s vision is for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

This internship opportunity is designed to provide hands-on experience in communications and related fields.  This internship is ideal for individuals looking to gain practical experience within a defined timeframe. The Communications Intern is responsible for assisting in the management of CNAY social media, email and webs platforms; building multimedia content (i.e., graphics & videos) that reflects and strengthens the CNAY brand; helping to maintain media lists; drafting blogs, web content and other traditional media materials; and supporting the overall CNAY communications strategy. 

This role reports directly to the Communications manager. The hourly range for this role is $20 -$22/hr depending on experience. The internship will conclude once the intern has reached a maximum of 1,000 total hours worked or at the end of the calendar year, whichever comes first. The expectation is for this role to be in our Washington, D.C. office a minimum of 2x a week to collaborate with colleagues.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Social Media Engagement

• Assist in the managing of all social media platforms for CNAY and produce monthly/quarterly communications reports to help track analytics;
• Assist in the development of an editorial calendar to help plan content that aligns with CNAY’s programming and third-party activities; and
• Draft social media content and corresponding graphic elements.

Website & Email Communications

• Assist with website updates, blog posts, resource exchange and ensure all information is up to date on CNAY.org;
• Manage outgoing CNAY email communications using HTML platforms; and
• Produce monthly/quarterly communications reports to help track analytics. 

Media Relations

• Assist in the media relations efforts of the CNAY team, including media list development, draft pitches and proactive story ideas;
• Help draft communications materials (blogs, press releases, op-eds, etc.) and work with the CNAY team to promote youth leaders; and
• Track and report on media mentions for CNAY and its youth network. 

Miscellaneous

• Develop creative multimedia elements (graphics, videos, etc.) to support social, web, email, events and programming;
• Participate in routine meetings with the comms, programs and full staff to discuss multi-disciplinary projects;
• Support CNAY programs and operations teams with various communications-related projects, as needed; and
• Occasional administrative tasks to support the larger team with event management, travel, programming, etc. 

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• Undergraduate or Graduate student in communications or a related field preferred;
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of CNAY and the Aspen Institute;
• Excellent communication, organizational and writing skills;
• Strong experience with using social media, including Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube;
• Graphic design and video production experience strongly preferred;
• Strong interpersonal skills, energy and initiative;
• Attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks with precision, moving quickly and efficiently;
• Strong ability to help others be organized and efficient;
• Familiarity with Mailchimp, Survey Monkey, Microsoft Office/Google Suite, Meltwater and design software (e.g., Canva, iMovie);
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team;
• A sense of humor and ability to “roll with it;”
• Experience working with youth; and
• Familiarity, competency and/or experience working in Indian Country

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Interested applicants should apply through the Aspen Institute portal.

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation regarding the accessibility of our website, a modification or adjustment of the job application or interview process due to a disability, contact HRSupport@aspeninstitute.org or call (202) 736-5800.