Communications & Design Intern, New York

New York, NY, USA

Background

The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has been operating since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. The SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. We aim to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. The SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society. It is directed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and operates through offices in New York, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur.

Scope of Work

The SDSN is seeking a proactive, dynamic, hands-on, and creative intern to assist the Communications Team with a broad spectrum of activities. This position will help to evolve SDSN’s outreach and promotion strategies across key programs and will work with our internal teams to develop cohesive communications plans. It will entail assisting with digital content creation, graphic design, website updates, writing and editing materials, and event logistics and support.

Position Responsibilities

• Contribute to robust communications campaigns for timely initiatives, events, and launches through the development of social media kits, email campaigns, and creative assets.
• Develop and design graphics and videos for internal and external communications channels.
• Develop and schedule short-form content for SDSN’s internal and external communications channels, including social media and web. 
• Support website updates and design, ensuring up-to-date content. The intern will also have the opportunity to participate in the ongoing strategy development for SDSN’s recently redesigned website. 
• Create a robust contact database curated to specific outputs to ensure an expansive dissemination of content based on thematic outputs.
• Monitor and actively support SDSN’s social media presence to enhance audience engagement and target key sectors.
• Collate monthly metrics and analytics for communications deliverables across platforms.
• Support internal communication strategies, such as maintaining internal calendars and monthly newsletter development. 
• Other communications or administrative tasks as requested by the SDSN team

Qualifications

• Eligibility to work in the United States is required.
• Current undergraduate or graduate student in marketing or communications. 
• Proficient in the use of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
• Experience with digital content creation tools (Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, After Effects, Canva, etc.) is highly desirable, especially video.
• Able to manage multiple tasks, is well-organized, and works well both as part of an international team and independently.
• Experience and/or interest in sustainable development preferred.
• Fluent in English (oral and written) is required. 

Duration (dates and total time): January 27  – April 25, 2025

Compensation: $16-$19/hour (up to 20 hours/week)

Location: NYC or Remote. Candidates based in NYC that plan to come into the office must show proof of vaccination per the SDSN COVID-19 policy.

As this is a US-based position, SDSN is required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to secure verification of eligibility to work in the United States.