Communications Summer Worker
State of Connecticut
Newington, CT
Are you an industrious communications student interested in learning how CTDOT communicates with the media and the public? Do you have a passion for writing and want to use that skill while learning to work with the press? If you have a strong interest in public relations and value accessibility, equity, and storytelling, we have an exciting opportunity for you at CTDOT.
The State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is accepting applications for paid Summer Worker (Communications) positions in the Office of Communications based in Newington, CT.
Who We Are
As one of the state’s largest agencies, we employ more than 3,000 individuals statewide in five distinct Bureaus. The mission of CTDOT is to provide a safe and efficient multimodal transportation network that improves the quality of life and promotes economic vitality for the State and the region. We have a significant transportation infrastructure system that is essential to maintaining mobility for Connecticut residents and businesses and supporting economic and community development.
Position Highlights:
Anticipated start date in May of 2023 and ending by August 31, 2023
Monday-Friday
First shift
8 hours per day, 40 hours per week
Seasonal
The Summer Worker will learn how to:
Draft press materials and other written content in a manner that is timely, clear, and concise, and comprehensible to a wide audience; including but not limited to press releases, advisories, speeches, op-ed pieces, letters to the editor, fact sheets, talking points, and message guidance
Respond to incoming media inquiries and draft media responses based on internal research on a wide range of CTDOT issues
Create and identify opportunities to elevate the Department of Transportation in the press and drive local and regional narratives
Pitch reporters proactively and work with a range of local media outlets
Promote and enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion
Coordinate press activities including press conferences and events, which includes arranging press logistics, attending press/public events, prepping speakers, and preparing talking points, message and media guidance, and briefings for internal and external partners
Create a communications and content calendar
Conduct a media training for staff
Compile daily news clips
Monitor media outlets and reports daily incoming and outgoing press activities to senior leadership team including breaking news, earned media opportunities, and important developments
What You Will Experience:
Implementing multi-faceted strategic communication plans and strategies, such as campaign launches, brand initiatives, press events, and news and social media;
Promoting a large, wide-spread organization, ensuring all messages align with key business strategies;
Promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, which can include but is not limited to creating content for audiences with limited English proficiency
Gathering relevant information from multiple sources, synthesizing complex concepts into understandable material, and proposing or recommending a course of action based on all available information.
Final Project:
Coordinate a press activity such as a press conference and other media event, which includes arranging press logistics, attending press/public events, prepping speakers, and preparing talking points, message and media guidance, and briefings for internal and external partners.