Communications Intern

NYSERDA; City of Albany (NY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

NYSERDA is offering a paid Communications Intern position in New York. The internship runs from September 2026 through December 2026 with hybrid in-office and remote work.

Interns must be located in New York State or an adjacent state. Responsibilities include leading special projects for the Corporate Communications team, supporting programs and public outreach, researching industry trends, proofreading materials, updating media lists, and assisting with events.

Qualifications

• Current, full-time undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in Communications, Public Relations, or Media Relations.
• Familiarity with social media platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.
• Excellent skills with the Microsoft Office suite of programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead special projects that showcase NYSERDA’s work as assigned throughout the duration of the internship.
• Support and assist the Corporate Communications team’s efforts across all portfolios to build public awareness of NYSERDA’s programs and objectives both internally and externally.
• Research program areas, trends and industry reports to gather information and key facts needed to inform written communications.
• Review and proofread third-party articles, press releases and other materials to ensure accuracy and enhance understanding of NYSERDA-supported projects and initiatives.
• Assist with updating existing media lists with accurate reporter contact information, identifying new reporters and removing those no longer covering relevant topics, compiling media lists and creating new media lists, if needed.
• Assist the Corporate Communications team in preparing materials and publicity for NYSERDA in-person and virtual events; and
• Perform other responsibilities, as assigned.
• Ability to demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community.

Skills

Social media familiarity

Microsoft Office

Research skills

Multitasking

Strong work ethic

Education

Current undergraduate or graduate student in Communications/PR/Media Relations

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Communications Intern

As a leader in advancing New York’s energy transition, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has remained a credible, objective and trusted partner in our state’s energy planning as well as deploying new and innovative technologies to expand New York’s economy. NYSERDA has worked for the past 50 years to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, lower energy costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA engages with stakeholders including residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:

• Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy.
• Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.
• Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably in the clean energy transition.

Internship Overview

This is a paid internship for current students at an accredited college. The pay rate is from $18 to $20 per hour based on current class year. This internship will begin as early as September 2026 and will continue through December 2026.

Interns must be located in New York State or an immediately adjacent state while working. It is expected that interns will follow our telework policy, with a combination of in-office and remote work. Interns work up to 18.5 hours per week during the semester, and up to 37.5 hours per week between semesters, when not attending classes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead special projects that showcase NYSERDA’s work as assigned throughout the duration of the internship. These projects will leverage existing materials and require independent research to inform and enhance successful work products that support the Corporate Communications team and Authority as a whole.
• Support and assist the Corporate Communications team’s efforts across all portfolios to build public awareness of NYSERDA’s programs and objectives both internally and externally.
• Research program areas, trends and industry reports to gather information and key facts needed to inform written communications.
• Review and proofread third-party articles, press releases and other materials to ensure accuracy and enhance understanding of NYSERDA-supported projects and initiatives.
• Assist with updating existing media lists with accurate reporter contact information (phone number, email, social media handles), identifying new reporters and removing those no longer covering relevant topics, compiling media lists and creating new media lists, if needed.
• Assist the Corporate Communications team in preparing materials and publicity for NYSERDA in-person and virtual events; and
• Perform other responsibilities, as assigned.
• Ability to demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current, full-time undergraduate or graduate student, pursuing a degree in Communications, Public Relations, or Media Relations.
• Familiarity with social media platforms including but not limited to Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.
• Excellent skills with the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
• Demonstrated ability to research primary and secondary sources.
• Skill in managing multiple activities, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.
• Strong work ethic.

By 09/17/2026.