Communications/Public Relations Intern

Colorado PERA seeks a dedicated and passionate Communications/Public Relations intern to assist with external and internal communications. The intern will work with a 16-member Communications team with writing, research, design and marketing. The position is up to 20 hours per week from June through December and is flexible to accommodate academic schedules. The internship is designed to provide professional experience and develop communications skills; it does not require academic credit to be earned.

ABOUT US

We are Colorado’s public pension fund committed to providing secure and sustainable retirement benefits for public employees. Our communications team plays a vital role in informing and engaging our stakeholders, including members, retirees, the media, policymakers, and the public.

Summary of Job Responsibilities
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Communications/Public Relations Intern to join our team. This internship offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public-sector communications, media relations, digital marketing, and content creation.
The ideal candidate will be a current college student or recent graduate with a background in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Draft, edit, and proofread press releases, news advisories, and other public-facing content
• Assist in creating content for social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook)
• Support the development of email marketing campaigns and newsletters
• Contribute to website content updates and assist with basic web content management
• Monitor media coverage and assist in preparing media reports
• Research communication trends and best practices
• Assist with event coordination, internal communications, and other entry-level communications tasks as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program or a recent graduate in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field
• Strong writing and editing skills, with attention to detail
• Basic understanding of media relations, AP Style and press release writing
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication strategies
• Experience with email marketing tools (e.g., SendGrid, Mailchimp, Constant Contact) is a plus
• Knowledge of website content management systems is a plus (e.g., WordPress)
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a professional environment

Benefits

• Gain valuable experience working with a public sector communications team
• Build a portfolio of professional writing and digital content
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments
• Opportunity to network with communications and policy professionals

Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine. 
• Occasional moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 pounds
• All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to operate standard PC equipment
• Ability to manage frequent deadlines and tight schedules

Work From Home Option

• Opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.

Interested Candidates:
Complete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume and cover letter available to upload. Please review the following questions. You will be asked for a response to these as part of your application:

1. Describe your experience/course work in public relations.

2. Describe your experience creating content to encourage awareness, engagement or calls to action.

3. Explain why you would like an internship at Colorado PERA.

As part of the application process we would like you to submit two writing or design samples. Please send your samples via e-mail directly to asailer@copera.org.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned with or without notice.

Unfortunately, at this time, PERA cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future), or are located outside of the US.

All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERA’s Ethics Policy and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading.  You may request copies of these policies from PERA’s talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERA’s Investment Administration team.

 About Colorado PERA

Looking for a career where you can make a difference? Colorado PERA offers benefit services to public employees across Colorado, including teachers, state troopers, snowplow drivers, correctional officers and many others who provide valuable services. As Colorado’s largest pension plan, we serve and educate over 700,000 members who are former and current public employees. 

At PERA you will earn more than a paycheck. PERA is a culture where you can grow your potential and work in an inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are valued. We hire exceptional employees and recognize that our people are our best asset. Not only do we make sound investments for our members, PERA invests in our employees’ growth through training and leadership opportunities.

To promote wellbeing, we offer hybrid or flexible working options for most roles and a total rewards and benefit program including health, dental and vision coverage - eligibility starts the first day of the month following the date of hire for most plans; generous paid time off and volunteer hours; pension and retirement plans, including PERA’s defined benefit plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and 401(k) employer match, as applicable; tuition assistance; free, convenient on-site parking or RTD subsidy; free on-site fitness center to stay active; employee assistance program; training, leadership and mentoring programs and more. PERA is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer.

To learn more about life at PERA, watch this video or visit www.copera.org/careers.

Position Title: Communications/Public Relations Intern
Division: Communications
Reports to: Senior Director of Communications
Job Status: Internship / Part-time / Non-exempt
Salary: $20 hourly
Posting Dates: 12/02/2025 – 01/06/2026