IN-PLACE Science Communication & Community Engagement Intern
About IN-PLACE
The Interdisciplinary Network for Place-based Learning, Action, and Community-Engaged EnviroMental Health (IN-PLACE) is a University of Maryland interdisciplinary initiative advancing research, education, and community partnerships focused on the relationships between people, environment, and health. Through collaborations across the University of Maryland and communities throughout Maryland, IN-PLACE promotes equitable access to nature, develops and evaluates nature-based health interventions, and translates research into education, workforce development, and community programming.
Position Summary
The IN-PLACE Science Communication & Community Engagement Intern will help build the public presence of one of the University of Maryland's newest interdisciplinary initiatives. Working alongside the Operations Director and collaborating with faculty, researchers, students, and community partners, the intern will create engaging digital content, tell the stories of IN-PLACE research and partnerships, promote events and opportunities, and help strengthen communication across the initiatives four interdisciplinary cores.
This internship offers hands-on experience in science communication, environmental storytelling, digital marketing, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration while allowing students to develop a professional portfolio of communication products.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include:
● Develop and manage content for IN-PLACE social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms as appropriate).
● Create graphics, short videos, photography, and other visual media highlighting research, student experiences, community partnerships, and events.
● Produce interviews, student spotlights, faculty profiles, and research stories for digital platforms.
● Assist with planning, writing, and publishing the IN-PLACE newsletter.
● Update and maintain the IN-PLACE website with news, events, resources, and opportunities.
● Write website articles, research and policy briefs, event summaries, and other communication materials for both academic and public audiences.
● Support promotion of seminars, workshops, conferences, community events, and student opportunities.
● Coordinate communication efforts across IN-PLACEs Research, Community Engagement, Campus Well-being, and Experiential Learning Cores.
● Identify communication trends and develop creative strategies to expand IN- PLACEs visibility across campus and throughout Maryland.
● Assist with outreach activities and represent IN-PLACE at campus events as opportunities arise.
● Contribute ideas for new communication initiatives and special projects that advance the mission of IN-PLACE.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
● Undergraduate student eligible for internship credit.
● Minimum GPA of 3.0.
● Strong written and verbal communication skills.
● Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
● Ability to work independently while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.
● Interest in environmental sustainability, public health, science communication, community engagement, and/or interdisciplinary research.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with one or more of the following is preferred but not required:
● Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar graphic design software
● Photography or videography
● Social media content creation and management
● Writing for websites, newsletters, blogs, or social media
● Basic data visualization or infographic design
Hours
Approximately 9-10 hours per week during the regular semester or 20 hours a week during the summer semester (flexible scheduling).
Compensation
This position is intended to fulfill internship credit requirements.
Learning Outcomes
Through this internship, students will gain experience in:
● Science communication and public engagement
● Environmental and health communication
● Digital marketing and social media strategy
● Website management and newsletter production
● Graphic design and multimedia storytelling
● Professional writing for diverse audiences
● Community engagement and partnership development
● Working within an interdisciplinary research initiative
Application Materials
Please submit:
● Cover Letter
● Resume
● Unofficial Transcript
● One writing sample or a portfolio of communication, design, photography, video, or social media work (if available)
Email application materials to:
inplace-apply@umd.edu
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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