Office of Legislation, Education, and Intergovernmental Affairs - Public Affairs Intern

Organizational Overview

The mission of Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is to foster the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned firms in the United States. This is accomplished primarily through a nationwide network of MBDA Business Centers staffed with business experts who provide minority entrepreneurs with strategic business consulting services designed to assist with access to contracts, capital, and markets. The efforts of the agency cross public, private, state and local governmental, business and institutional interests. The programs impact heavily on job creation, economic revitalization, community sustainability as well as regional, national and global competitiveness.

Position Title: Public Affairs Intern; (20-25 hours per week)

Supervisor: Velicia Woods, Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist

Description of Duties

The selected candidate will:

Assists in drafting and coordinating responses to news media inquiries about MBDA functions, policies, programs, and activities as directed and update public affairs staff on press related activities
Create and execute social media campaigns related to Agency priorities in coordination with OPA, Office of the National Director, and/or MBDA’s Office of Business Development
Review, research, catalog, and propose edits/revisions to messaging documents including Agency descriptions, PowerPoint(s), Brochures, etc.
Review, research, and propose additional content for the website (ex.: blogs, articles, events, resource links)
As assigned, draft blogs and articles focused on Agency initiatives, events, and/or business tools
Assist with a variety of administrative aspects of public affairs, including miscellaneous research, faxing, photocopying, writing, etc.

MBDA Blogs can be found on the following website: http://www.mbda.gov/blog

Skills Required/ Targeted Majors

REQUIRED:
1. Be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited institution and recommended by a school official.

2. Be at least 16 years old.

3. Be a U.S. citizen.

5. Pass Background Check

At least part-time student in an accredited institution. Research skills, communication skills, attention to detail, writing skills, ability to multitask in fast-paced environments, and proficiency in Excel and Word formats. Background/interest in entrepreneurship and business development is a plus.