Communications Intern

About the Role

The Communications Intern – Media & TikTok Production will help bring Sutherland Institute's mission to life through engaging digital content and visual storytelling. A key focus of this role is brainstorming, creating, and helping manage TikTok content that connects younger audiences with the Defending Ideas podcast and other upcoming Sutherland Institute resources. This internship is designed for a creative, detail-oriented student or recent graduate who is interested in communications, digital marketing, video production, graphic design, and social media. The intern will work closely with the communications team to produce compelling content that educates, informs, and engages audiences across multiple platforms, while gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit communications and public policy.

Key Responsibilities

• TikTok & Short-Form Video Production

• Brainstorms and pitches TikTok content ideas that introduce younger audiences to Defending Ideas and other Sutherland Institute content.

• Helps create short-form videos for TikTok, including selecting and editing podcast clips, scripting and filming original content, and adding engaging openings, captions, and visuals.

• Helps manage the TikTok content calendar, scheduling, and publishing in coordination with the communications team.

• Identifies relevant TikTok trends and creative formats that make content engaging for younger audiences while maintaining Sutherland Institute’s voice, standards, and accuracy.

• Reviews TikTok performance and audience feedback to recommend improvements that increase reach, build engagement, and encourage viewers to explore full Defending Ideas episodes.

• Media Production & Digital Communications

• Designs graphics and visual assets for social media, email campaigns, presentations, reports, and other communications materials.

• Ensures all creative materials align with Sutherland Institute's brand standards and maintains a consistent visual identity.

• Publishes content across social media platforms, tailoring copy, graphics, and formatting to each platform's audience and best practices.

• Collaborates with the communications team to develop creative strategies that increase social media reach, engagement, and audience growth.

• Assists with social media planning by contributing ideas for campaigns, content calendars, and trending topics.

• Designs and formats email newsletters and marketing communications that are visually appealing and easy to read.

• Builds and formats blog posts and other website content using WordPress.

• Assists with basic photo, video, and graphic editing to support communications initiatives.

• Uses AI tools responsibly to streamline content creation and improve workflows, while ensuring all work is accurate, original, and aligned with Sutherland Institute's voice and standards.

Learning Opportunities

During this internship, you will gain practical experience in:

• TikTok content strategy and short-form video editing
• Digital content creation and visual storytelling
• Social media strategy and audience engagement
• Graphic design and video editing for nonprofit communications
• Email marketing design and layout
• Website content management using WordPress
• Brand management and visual consistency
• Creative campaign planning
• Responsible and effective use of AI in communications and media production

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Pursuing or recently completed a degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Experience or strong familiarity with short-form video creation and editing for TikTok.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Adobe Express, and video editing software (e.g., Premiere Pro, CapCut).
• Experience creating designs in Canva.
• Familiarity with WordPress website management.
• Experience with email marketing platforms and designing email communications.
• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Creative mindset with the ability to collaborate and contribute new ideas.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Application Materials

Applicants are highly encouraged to submit a digital portfolio showcasing relevant design, TikTok/video production, social media, photography, or other creative work. Please include either:

• A PDF portfolio
• A link to your online portfolio, TikTok handle, or personal website

Position start: January 2027

Hours per week: 24

Wage/salary: This is a paid internship based on experience and availability

Location: Sutherland’s office is located in downtown Salt Lake City. The combination of in-office and remote work for graphic design interns will be determined on a case-by-case basis.