July - December 2015
Saint John, New Brunswick
- Are you a recent or soon-to-be grad of a recognized journalism or public relations program?
- Are you passionate about community-building, economic development and/or innovation?
- Are you looking to gain professional experience writing and pitching stories at a national level?
- Are you interested in building professional relationships with more than 25 high-profile public and private organizations?
If so, we encourage you to apply for the inaugural True Growth Communications Internship.
About True Growth
Here in Saint John, New Brunswick, we’ve adopted a unique, community-based approach to economic development called True Growth 2.0. Under the True Growth Model, public and private enterprises are working collaboratively to identify and mobilize economic development projects that will help drive prosperity across our region.
To date, True Growth Projects have engaged more than 150 passionate leaders across numerous industries. Results have been both tangible and impressive, spanning six key sectors. Since 2014, the True Growth Model has received national and international attention for its innovative and results-oriented approach and has been celebrated by Cisco Systems, FDI, and Progress Media.
Internship Objectives
Our real success stories lie within each organization and each project. These stories need to be shared more widely, especially at the national level – both to gain external validation for our community, and to help combat negative perceptions surrounding Atlantic Canada’s economic climate and future.
To this end, the True Growth Communications Intern will work with True Growth Network Partners and Project Teams to:
- Proactively engage with the True Growth community to identify high-impact stories;
- Help contextualize and develop content (including research, interviews, writing etc.);
- Pitch appropriate stories to national and other non-local media outlets (traditional news, social media and other forums);
- Build / map a network of media contacts and relationships;
- Track regional and national coverage;
- Provide other storytelling support to stakeholders, as required.
Success of the internship will be assessed according to:
- The number, tone and variety of stories pitched;
- The number, tone and variety of stories picked up by non-local media outlets;
- The level of engagement with and assistance provided to True Growth stakeholders;
- The extent / depth of media contacts and relationships established.
Professional Development Opportunity
The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity of building direct, value-add relationships with the numerous high-profile organizations and individuals involved with True Growth, including (but not limited to): five regional municipalities, economic development agencies, authorities and commissions, Provincial and Federal government partners, private sector associations, post-secondary institutions, environmental stakeholders, Francophone and immigrant communities, and local thought-leaders and project champions.
Required Skills
We’re looking for a quick learner with lots of energy. The ideal candidate will also have:
- Graduated from a recognized journalism or public relations program in the last 12 months, or will complete such a program by the end of 2015;
- A good understanding of the national news landscape in Canada;
- Excellent people skills, both in person and in correspondence;
- Strong research and writing skills;
- Excellent time-management skills;
- The ability to receive, work through and apply stakeholder feedback;
- Cursory experience tracking and analyzing news stories and related data.
A demonstrated passion for and commitment to the East Coast is an asset.
Work Details
- The True Growth Communications Intern is an independent contractor position, involving approximately 35 hours / week of work (some work will occur outside of regular business hours).
- The intern will report to the True Growth Communications Working Group, through the Director of Partner Engagement and Communications at Enterprise Saint John.
- The successful candidate will be paid a minimum monthly stipend of $1500 (final stipendiary amount to be confirmed during the interview and hiring process) for six calendar months.
- The intern will be required to live and work in or around the Saint John area for the duration of the internship.
Interested individuals should apply by Monday, May 25, 2015 by submitting the following documents electronically to Angélique at angelique.simpson@enterprisesj.com: a cover letter explaining your interest in / aptitude for the position; your resume or CV; transcript; a writing sample; and an accessible link to your LinkedIn Profile.
