What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Associate position at Mid Hudson Energy Transition?
About Mid Hudson Energy Transition
Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Inc. (MHET) is a not-for-profit community-based organization that empowers municipalities, their residents, and businesses to own and share renewable energy, create healthier buildings, and join in community wealth-building to strengthen the resilience of the Hudson Valley in the face of climate change. We engage and build on the active involvement of communities, with particular emphasis on low-income and communities of color that are being harmed first and worst by climate change.
Communications Associate
Clean Energy Internship
Location(s): Hybrid, based in Kingston NY or the Hudson Valley
Duration: 3 months with the possibility to extend to 6 months
Hours: Flexible. 15-18 hours a week for full time students. Eligible interns not taking classes can work up to 40 hours per week.
Compensation: $22 - $25/hour
The Organization
Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Inc. (MHET) is a not-for-profit community-based organization that empowers municipalities, their residents, and businesses to own and share renewable energy, create healthier buildings, and join in community wealth-building to strengthen the resilience of the Hudson Valley in the face of climate change. We engage and build on the active involvement of communities, with particular emphasis on low-income communities and communities of color that are being harmed first and worst by climate change.
Job Summary:
The Communications Associate at Mid-Hudson Energy Transition (MHET) will craft compelling social media content, support marketing efforts for major organizational milestones, and develop educational materials that translate complex energy concepts into accessible stories, supporting MHET's commitment to building public understanding and engagement around energy justice and energy democracy for frontline communities.
Responsibilities:
- Draft social media content, including captions, graphics, and short-form video, that translates energy justice and energy democracy principles into accessible, compelling narratives, building public understanding of and support for MHET's mission.
- Develop a social media content calendar and collaborate with community members and partners to source stories and visuals that authentically reflect MHET's work advancing equitable, community-driven energy systems.
- Support marketing and promotional materials, such as invitations, digital promotion, signage, and program content, for MHET's inaugural fundraising gala on October 16, 2026, celebrating the organization's five-year journey advancing energy justice and energy democracy.
- Help document the gala and other MHET events through photos, video, and testimonials, and repurpose that content into ongoing storytelling assets that communicate MHET's impact to funders, partners, and the public.
- Support the creation of educational content, including infographics, presentations, and video, for online and print media that grounds technical and policy information in energy justice principles, serving as both funder deliverables and public education tools that advance MHET's mission.
Successful candidates will have:
- Knowledge of and passion for clean energy, environmental sustainability, and community engagement, with a strong understanding of the importance of building a sustainable and equitable future.
- Strong graphic design skills and excellent communication skills, with an ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and compelling way through digital media. Proficiency with Canva is preferred.
- Proficiency with social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn.
- Experience working with diverse communities and a commitment to equity and inclusion, with a focus on building the capacity of communities to lead their own energy transitions.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills.
Eligibility: To be eligible for this role, you must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
- An individual currently attending or who attended a degree program at a college or university located in New York State within the last 12 months as of the date of the intern application.
- A current New York State resident attending or who attended a college or university outside of New York State within the last 12 months as of the date of the intern application. New York State residency, with proof of residency such as a rental agreement or utility bills, must have been established prior to the start of the internship.
- New York State residents who are members of a disadvantaged community and/or priority population.
- You can identify a disadvantaged community using this link: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ny/Disadvantaged-Communities
- Priority population is defined as follows:
- Veterans;
- Individuals with disabilities;
- Low-income individuals, whose household’s total income is below or at 60% of the State Median Income, or whose household has been determined eligible for or is receiving assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or other human service benefit programs;
- Incumbent or unemployed fossil fuel workers;
- Previously incarcerated individuals;
- 16- to 24-year-olds who are enrolled in or have completed a comprehensive work preparedness training program such as those offered by Boards of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES), technical high schools, Conservation Corps, YouthBuild, and AmeriCorps. The training program must include a combination of rigorous clean energy education with hands-on technical training. Eligibility for work preparedness programs under this category will be considered on a case-by-case basis.;
- Homeless individuals;
- Single parents.
Equal Opportunity Notice:
MHET is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We value the unique perspectives and contributions that a diverse workforce brings to our organization. MHET encourages individuals from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals, to apply for this position. We are dedicated to creating a workplace that respects and values differences, and we aim to foster an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.
To Apply: To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter to our Careers Page portal explaining your interest in clean energy and community engagement.
Learn more about NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Internship here.
The pay range for this role is:
22 - 25 USD per hour(Kingston, NY)
Salary : $22 - $25