The Design Trust for Public Space is seeking a part-time Communications and Events Intern to support our ambitious new agenda for New York City, based on viable and accessible public space. Deadline to apply is January 30th, 2024.

About the Design Trust for Public Space 

The Design Trust for Public Space is a non-profit organization that unlocks the potential of New York’s public spaces. Our unique model catalyzes design ideas into action for a more just and equitable city. The Design Trust’s work can be seen, felt and experienced throughout all five boroughs–from parks and plazas to streets and public buildings. 

Some of our current projects include:

• Green Space Connections: A collaboration with the Public Housing Community Fund and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to create and activate community-designed green space at four NYCHA public housing developments for 14,000 residents in Brooklyn and the Bronx.

• The Neurodiverse City: The Design Trust, Verona Carpenter Architects, WIP Collaborative, and a network of disability advocates have partnered on a new initiative to reimagine New York City public spaces — streets, parks, playgrounds, plazas, and more — for neurodiversity. 

• Public Space Potlucks: Free and open to all, our popular Public Space Potlucks gather urban enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds together for a shared meal, temporarily transforming New York City’s public space into a communal dining room. 

• Benefit for Public Space: Each year, our Annual Benefit honors innovative leaders who are instrumental in the positive transformation of the city’s shared landscape.

Position Summary

The Design Trust works to create a better New York City and believes that building a strong internal culture is key to doing. We create spaces, opportunities, and resources for communities to actively engage with each other, their neighborhood, and their city. We take a listening and learning posture. Sharing our passion about public space and our mission, the Communications Intern will play a key role in supporting our effective overall communications, media, and event planning strategy that raises awareness of the organization, its projects, programs and policy recommendations. This position will provide hands-on experience in the urban planning field, public relations, and brand management, and provide vital event support to our Annual Benefit.  The position will report directly to the Communications Manager and the Development Director.

Responsibilities and Duties

Design Trust currently operates on a hybrid office schedule. Position will be mostly remote with at least one day in the Tribeca office (Preferably Wednesdays). Interns will be part-time (15-20 hours a week). We can work with you to create a schedule that supports you. This internship will span through June 2023, with an opportunity to extend. 

Responsibilities include:

• Content Creation + Brand Management: Support creation of owned media content in adherence to DT brand guidelines and values, including website updates, blog, email marketing, and social media posts. Support tracking of growth metrics and analytics. Help maintain the Design Trust editorial calendar and pitch program marketing ideas. 

• Public Relations: Maintain press contacts list, research media opportunities, support Communications Manager in drafting and disseminating outreach materials like press releases, statements, media advisories, etc. 

• Documentation + Organizational Systems: Organize and upkeep photo and video archives documenting Design Trust projects and events, support with event documentation as needed.

• Event Coordination: Support Annual Benefit event planning, donation tracking, and marketing outreach

Background, Skills, and Qualifications

Preferred Candidates will have the following: 

• Thrives in a small-office environment, proven excellent written and oral communication skills and organizational skills.

• Experience with and knowledge of social media platforms and trends (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

• Excellent copyediting and copywriting skills

• Experience with CMS, Database management and website management

• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.

• Preferred experience with graphic design (Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign and Photoshop, as well as Canva)

• Existing knowledge of urban planning and New York City policy is a huge plus!

• Position open to current undergraduates, recent college graduates, and entry-level graduate students pursuing a degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Urban Design or a related field.

Compensation

$20/Hour 15-20 hours a week until June 2024

How to Apply

To apply, send the following as one complete PDF file:

• A cover letter explaining your qualifications for the positions and why you think public space access is an important issue in NYC.;

• Your resume (2 pages maximum),with  2-3 references;

• (Optional) Links/attachments to any relevant writing samples

Name your PDF file “lastname_firstname.pdf” and send your complete application to: amauzy@designtrust.org with “Communications Intern Application” written in the Subject Line.

Design Trust is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of all abilities, ethnicities, genders, national origins or ancestries, socioeconomic statuses, races, formerly incarcerated statuses, religions, and sexualities to apply. Design Trust is also committed to accessibility and to working together with you to develop an accessibility plan. Find out more at www.designtrust.org.