Muscular Dystrophy Association Summer Internship

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is seeking graduate students, graduating seniors or mature undergraduates studying public relations, communications, journalism, advertising or marketing to coordinate regional public relations efforts for special events, fundraisers, public service campaigns and the 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Qualified candidates will possess strong writing and communication skills, be self-motivated and be able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Experience in writing press releases, media advisories and pitching materials to the news media is a plus.

Successful candidates will work as Regional Public Affairs Coordinators (RPACs) from one of MDA’s offices in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Hamden, Chicago, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Seattle and Washington D.C.

This is a rich opportunity to build a professional portfolio. Successful candidates will write press releases and media alerts, pitch stories, and build relationships with local and national news media. The coordinator also will be responsible for local fundraising event promotions, and will gain experience in copywriting and placing stories with print and broadcast media. Promotional activities conducted by each coordinator will make an immediate difference in the lives of more than a million Americans living with neuromuscular diseases, while fostering skills that will transfer to any corporate work environment.

The summer internship runs from 12 to 16 weeks, depending on individual school schedules; salary is $400 - $450 per week. Interns will receive training, direction and support from MDA’s regional and national offices.

MDA is a national voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. For more information, visit www.mda.org.