Public Relations & Social Media Intern

State-of-Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is the State of Indiana's lead economic development agency, working to help businesses invest and grow, create opportunities for Hoosiers and build communities where people want to live, work and thrive.

The Public Relations & Social Media Intern will support media relations, content development and social media, gaining hands-on experience in communications while collaborating with the External Affairs team on high-profile projects and events.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Curious about Indiana's businesses, communities and economic opportunities.
• Highly organized, dependable and able to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist with drafting and editing press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing materials and other communications.
• Research Indiana companies, industries, communities and economic development projects to support storytelling opportunities.
• Help monitor media coverage and identify relevant news, trends and opportunities.
• Support media events, announcements and other public-facing activities.
• Assist with developing stories that highlight Indiana businesses, Hoosiers and communities.
• Support social media content development, scheduling and day-to-day execution.
• Draft social copy and assist with gathering photos, video, quotes and other content.
• Help identify engaging ways to tell Indiana's economic development story across digital channels.
• Assist with event coverage and real-time content development.
• Track engagement and help compile basic performance insights.
• Complete a special project that supports the IEDC's mission and provides an opportunity to research, develop and present a communications concept or campaign.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Organization

Curiosity

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, political science or related field

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Economic Development Corporation

Bring your biggest and boldest ideas to life as an employee of the IEDC. We are a fast-paced and forward-thinking team charged with pursuing economic development opportunities for current and future Hoosiers in our state and around the world. Our culture embodies the spirit of being bold and working collaboratively to create the economy of the future.

The IEDC is organized as apublic privatepartnership led by the Secretary of Commerce and governed by a board chaired by the Governor of Indiana.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has been recognized as one of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Top Workplaces by Indianapolis Star.

Role Overview

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is the State of Indiana's lead economic development agency, working to help businesses invest and grow, create opportunities for Hoosiers and build communities where people want to live, work and thrive.

The IEDC Communications & Marketing team helps tell Indiana's story - highlighting the people, businesses, communities and ideas moving our state forward. We are looking for a curious, creative and motivated college student who is passionate about storytelling, interested in public relations & social media, and excited to gain hands-on experience communicating the work shaping Indiana's future.

The Public Relations & Social Media Intern will work alongside the Director of External Affairs and MarComms team to support media relations, content development and social media. The intern will gain exposure to high-profile economic development projects, business announcements and events, while learning how strategic communications can strengthen Indiana's reputation as a place where people and businesses can thrive.

The program will be 12 weeks long (May 1 1 through July 31) and 65% of the program will be day to day work dictated by the Intern Coordinator, 25% will be dedicated to the special project which will be presented by the Intern team at the end of the program, and 10% will be other engagements which include lunch & learns, meetings, tours and study reports.

Salary Statement

The hourly wage for this internship is $18/hr.

A Day in the Life

Public Relations & Storytelling

Assist with drafting and editing press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing materials and other communications.

Research Indiana companies, industries, communities and economic development projects to support storytelling opportunities.

Help monitor media coverage and identify relevant news, trends and opportunities.

Support media events, announcements and other public-facing activities.

Assist with developing stories that highlight Indiana businesses, Hoosiers and communities.

Social Media & Digital Content

Support social media content development, scheduling and day-to-day execution.

Draft social copy and assist with gathering photos, video , quotes and other content.

Help identify engaging ways to tell Indiana's economic development story across digital channels.

Assist with event coverage and real-time content development.

Track engagement and help compile basic performance insights.

Team & Special Projects

Participate in team meetings, brainstorming sessions and planning discussions.

Collaborate with members of the MarComms team and other IEDC teams on projects and events.

Complete a special project that supports the IEDC's mission and provides an opportunity to research, develop and present a communications concept or campaign.

What You'll Need for Success

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, political science or a related field.

Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.

Curious about Indiana's businesses, communities and economic opportunities.

Familiarity with major social media platforms and basic digital content tools.

Creative thinker with a willingness to contribute ideas and learn.

Highly organized, dependable and able to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.

Comfortable working collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.

Most importantly, excited to tell Indiana's story and contribute to meaningful work that creates opportunities for Hoosiers.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana

This seasonal position does not offer benefits and is limited to 180 working days in an eleven (11) month continuous period.

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .