The Edison Festival of Light is seeking undergraduate and graduate students interested in gaining experience in a nonprofit environment. The Edison Festival of Light is a nonprofit, volunteer, self-supporting organization that plans, organizes and promotes Southwest Florida’s largest festival. The Festival is a celebration of innovation, tradition, and education and takes place in February each year and consists of 22 events and involves a half million people.
The Public Relations Intern will report directly to the Marketing & Event Coordinator and Executive Director of Development in areas of media relations, event staffing, operations and more. This is an unpaid internship offered for the each semester (fall, spring and summer).
Responsibilities
• Daily brand monitoring via Google alerts and other tools;
• Daily editing and reviewing communications documents (blogs, press releases, announcements, media calendar, etc.);
• Assistance with mailings, print production and press releases;
• Search and organize press clippings;
• Research, verify information and collect data for various materials;
• Maintain and update media contact lists;
• Effectively communicate with all levels of staff and external audiences;
• Assist in the overall design and content of the award winning Commemorative Souvenir Program;
• Create and upkeep press materials;
• Maintain consistent compliance with Edison Festival of Light Volunteer and Intern policies.
• Must currently be enrolled at an accredited college or university;
• Applicants should be majors in one of the following: Public Relations, Communications, Mass Communications, Journalism, or Marketing;
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Solid understanding of social media platforms;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Self-motivated, flexible, learns quickly, and possesses a high level of personal integrity
• Detail-oriented with ability to meet deadlines, both prescribed and self-imposed;
• Ability to multi-task, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and successfully manage numerous projects simultaneously ;
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Learning Outcomes:
Under the direction and supervision of the Event Coordinator and the Executive Director of Development, the student will learn the following:
• To implement create and promotional collateral in all endeavors for a nonprofit program such as: Print collateral, memos, newsletters, press releases, public service announcements, and social media posts;
• To apply the basic theories and principles of communications and consumer marketing;
• To collaborate with immediate supervisors in identifying specific goals and objectives for the program;
• Professional etiquette and expectations;
• Engage with professional role models and potential mentors who can provide guidance, feedback, and support;
• Expand network of professional relationships and contacts;
• Develop a solid work ethic and professional demeanor, as well as a commitment to ethical conduct and social responsibility.
Skills Required
- Currently enrolled at an accredited college or university
- Major in Public Relations, Communications, Mass Communications, Journalism, or Marketing
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Solid understanding of social media platforms
- Strong organizational skills
- Self-motivated, flexible, quick learner, and high personal integrity
- Detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage multiple projects
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
What We Do
The Edison Festival of Light is a nonprofit, volunteer-supported organization in Fort Myers, Florida, that plans, organizes, and promotes Southwest Florida’s annual festival. Celebrating innovation, tradition, education, Thomas Edison, and the City of Fort Myers, the February program includes 22 events and attracts roughly half a million people. Its activities include civic celebrations, STEM programming, races, arts, crafts, and community gatherings.
