About Accion

Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy for the nearly two billion people who are failed by the global financial system. We develop and scale responsible digital financial solutions for small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women, so they can make informed decisions and improve their lives. Through targeted investment strategies, advisory solutions, and expert thought leadership, we work with local partners to develop and scale cheaper, more accessible, and customer-friendly financial solutions. Since 1961, Accion has helped build more than 230 financial service providers serving low-income clients in 75 countries, reaching more than 350 million people. More at https://www.accion.org.

Position Summary

Accion seeks a Summer Intern to support the Public Relations Team in positioning Accion as a leader in the inclusive finance space and to amplify the impact of our work. The intern will work closely with the Director of Public Relations and Senior Communications Specialist to secure earned media and event opportunities for Accion spokespeople and partners. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in strategic communications and learn more about impact investing, inclusive finance, and international development.

The targeted timing for this internship is mid-May until the end of August, 20 hours per week. This role will be based out of our Washington, D.C. office, with a hybrid in-person/remote schedule.

Position Responsibilities

Media and Events Support:

Build media lists for announcements and events
• Daily media monitoring of Accion, our partners and competitors, and trends in the inclusive finance and international development space
• Compile weekly media monitoring emails for all staff
• Research new events and speaking opportunities
• Learning opportunity: Gain hands-on experience strategizing and working on PR campaigns. Support Senior Communications Specialist and Director of Public Relations with pitching projects, including drafting pitches and conducting outreach to media and event organizers
• Research:
  • Create report with an analysis of competitors' earned media and event activities, and present recommendations to the Communications Team
  • Research trending news topics and hooks to support the drafting of op-Eds

Team Administration:

• Daily updating of events calendar
• Refresh organization of team files
• Support meetings with team members and partners with notes, keeping track of follow-up items
  • Learning opportunity: ability to join meetings with colleagues and partners around the world to gain insights into the strategic communications process, and learn how to lead meetings and keep teams organized

Additional Learning Opportunities:

• Opportunity to support and attend media trainings for Accion spokespeople
• Opportunity to attend networking events and learning opportunities in DC
• Exposure to Accion's investment strategies, advisory solutions, and thought leadership work

Position Qualifications

• Current senior undergraduate student or graduate student looking for an internship in nonprofit communications.
• Coursework experience in strategic communications and public relations required.
• Strong attention to detail and research skills.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Interested in Accion's mission and working globally.
• Willingness to embody our values of excellence, respect, and passion for social change.
  • Excellence: Accion staff should always put forth their best effort in all activities, strive for high quality of collective and individual performance; and always demonstrate honesty and integrity while in the workplace and while working on behalf of the organization.
  • Respect: Accion staff should value one another's roles and responsibilities as much as their own, be encouraging, and value the diverse and unique perspectives of colleagues. They should honor obligations and commitments to each other and to external partners.
  • Passion for Social Change: Accion staff should be committed to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, value the greater good of the organization over personal gain and promote a productive workplace by acknowledging the accomplishments of others.

Accion is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Accion seeks qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, change of sex or transgender status, or any other basis protected by law. Accion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.