New

Sustainability Storytelling and News Intern

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
May 08, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS Are you a passionate storyteller who wants to help spread the word about Penn State's statewide sustainability advancements? Penn State Sustainability wants YOU to join our communications team. As our Sustainability Storytelling and News Intern, you'll play a vital role in creating engaging written content that showcases Penn State's sustainability achievements to a broad public audience. In this position, your primary function will be writing articles for Penn State News, creating and curating "Our Nature" student opinion blog posts, conducting interviews for our Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Snapshots, and compiling and editing our "Mainstream" newsletter. Plus, you'll develop a high-quality body of work that can be used to develop your professional portfolio. This opportunity is available for an immediate start date with limited hours (about 5-10 hours per week through summer 2026) and regular academic year schedule (10-15 hours per week) beginning in August 2026. It will run through the end of the Spring 2027 semester, with the option to renew for the 2027-28 school year (preferred). During the academic year, you'll work an average of 10-15 hours per week (more or fewer hours can be negotiated depending on your capacity), and during the summer, you can work up to 35 hours per week (again, based on your availability). Most work can be performed remotely with regular Zoom check-ins; however, some in-person hours may be required. We're looking for an enthusiastic, dependable, flexible and organized individual with strong previous writing experience who will be comfortable interviewing and interacting with high-level visitors, researchers, and leadership. A strict commitment to meeting deadlines is a must. Occasionally, nights and weekends may be required to perform interviews, cover events, or connect with others working in sustainability across Penn State. As a part of your responsibilities, you'll work closely with our communications director to: Pitch and prioritize writing assignments Reach out to potential subjects for interviews and craft high-quality articles that promote sustainability initiatives, advancements, achievements, and ideals to various audiences Draft development materials such as one-pagers Occasionally attend sustainability-focused events to assist with communications-related needs Publish our biweekly newsletter Possibly create digital content such as podcasts, videos, etc. Candidates will not be considered without submitting a resume and 2-3 writing samples. Instead of a cover letter, please also submit 200-400 words about what sustainability means to you, and why you are interested in sustainability communications and this role (this may serve as one of your writing samples). References will be asked for after your initial interview. Please note: We understand that AI is transforming communications, and conversations around ethical use of AI will continue to evolve and be part of our work. Penn State News does not allow AI-generated content, and we will reject AI-generated writing samples in applications to this position. Please submit only your own original work, and if you use AI to refine or polish what you submit, please identify what you used and where. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines