Public Relations Intern

Padilla NEXTerns, the agency’s summer internship program, offers college students and recent graduates opportunities in account service, brand, public relations and creative tracks.

As a Padilla NEXTern, you don’t just gain hands-on experience working with some of the leading minds in our industry, you will help build the framework for the future of our agency. We’re not looking for someone to just fit in. We’re looking for someone who’s interested in creating what’s next.

NEXTern – Corporate Communications and Channels

Padilla is looking for an ambitious NEXTern to spend the summer working full time with our Corporate Communications and Channels teams in our Richmond office. Our internships offer real-world experience and play a pivotal role in larger account teams.

Typical assignments require a variety of communications skills including writing (long-form and short-form), digital and social media content management, media pitching, media list development, research, project coordination and event work. You should be comfortable balancing multiple assignments at once and thinking and working independently, knowing your team is there to support you.

We look for candidates that have some level of experience working with media including pitching stories and writing content. We also look for candidates who have an interest in complex topics, a natural curiosity, a basic understanding of communications, a positive attitude, and a willingness to handle anything we throw in your direction. A previous internship where you practiced your verbal and written business communications skills is a plus.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Learning how business and trade media works and how to successfully pitch stories that might feature or include clients
• Supporting team project and program planning and implementation, including paid, earned, shared and owned media (PESO) activities, and associated measurement of activities
• Contributing to the timely production of accurate, typo-free meeting recaps, and reports to show successes and opportunities for improvement to clients
• Assisting in team research and formulating thoughts and recommendations based on research results
• Writing for several different communications disciplines: news releases, blogs, memos, feature articles, social media content, website copy, marketing materials and more
• Becoming a resource for your team on placing stories with the media; depending on the account team, examples include media monitoring, developing media lists, maintaining media relationships, coordinating and/or implementing media tours, pitching stories to the media and facilitating media interviews, etc.
• Supporting team new business efforts including researching prospects and participating in RFP responses and new business presentation preparations
• Meeting all deadlines and keeping supervisors informed of progress on projects
• Attending all team meetings, taking notes, and following through on any commitments or action items assigned to you during these meetings

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Excellent writing and research skills
• Strong interpersonal communications skills
• Social media and digital knowledge
• Effective time management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• A natural curiosity and a desire to learn and grow
• Computer proficiency and knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

#LI-Hybrid