Fall 2024 Associate, Communications

Our Associate program is a paid opportunity that allows participants to contribute to the organization’s success while at the same time applying learnings from the classroom. This semester we will continue with a hybrid program and will offer each participant the opportunity to gain in-office experience for approximately 3-days a week. Associates are responsible for their individual transportation and housing needs. 

Associate Expectations:

All Associates are expected to work 24-29.9 hours a week during the session. While each Associate will be working with a specific division, they will have the opportunity to learn about other areas within Excel, through lunch and learns held throughout the semester. 

Important Dates:  

Our Fall Program runs from Monday, September 9, 2024 through December 2024.

Office Hours:  

• 9:00 am‐6:00 PM ET, Monday-Friday OR as agreed upon with advisor.  Days in office must be coordinated with Advisor’s schedules. 

Our Associates must: 

• Be available to work under 30 hours per week. 
• Be available to report to the New York office approximately 3-days a week. 
• Have a senior standing in college (must have completed your junior year of undergrad) 

OR 

• Be enrolled in a graduate school 

OR 

• Have a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree.  

Interview Process:  

• Applications will close on August 16th, 2024
• If selected, the expectation is that offers will be extended mid-end of August.
• The program will begin on September 9, 2024.

Communications Associate Expectations: 

• Will learn how to develop, edit, and proofread materials including press releases, media pitches, interview briefs, fact sheets and other materials.
• Will conduct background research, compile, and analyze media and competitor coverage.
• Media monitoring and ongoing, real-time coverage tracking; development of client-facing reports and support program recaps.
• Engage with and establish relationships with media and influencers.
• Develop and regularly update media lists and editorial calendars.
• Under guidance and supervision of senior team members, manage reactive media requests and proactively pitch client announcement and initiatives.
• Support relative Comms leads on various projects across Talent, Brands and Properties.
• Will provide administrative support to entire Communications team including managing a shared calendar, interview request and coverage tracking.
• Will develop and distribute regular internal and external communications materials such as newsletters, media blasts, weekly status reports, etc.
• Supports in the monitoring of media placements for client coverage.
• Assists the Communications team with research on clients, media outlets and reporters for potential coverage opportunities.
• Will learn to develop and curate innovative storylines for clients.
• Will develop relationships with local reporters and pitch clients for feature stories.
• Will assist across the Communications Department to help create pitch opportunities for the agency as well as Brand Marketing clients.
• Will learn to use and utilize public relations programs like Cision to research and develop media lists.
• All other duties as assigned.  

Communications Associate Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Must have strong storytelling, editorial and writing skills. 
• Collaborative, engaging and a self-starter. 
• Must have strong organizational skills and be able to multi-task and work in high-pace, dynamic environment. 
• Must exude social intelligence along with the ability to communicate and connect effectively. and personably, recognizing the need to adjust communication styles based on the audience and situation.
• Uncompromised ethics, integrity and morally sound, always focused on doing what is right. 

The pay for this position is: $16.00 per hour. Please note that the foregoing compensation information is a good-faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to the California and New York City Salary Transparency Law.