Media Relations Intern 

Location: Wisconsin Center for Music Education – Waunakee 

Description: 

Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Each year, more than 220,000 students take the initiative to become involved in WSMA activities, including District and State Music Festivals, State Honors Music Project, Launchpad, Student Composition Project, State Marching Band Championships and Concert Festivals. WSMA is headquartered in the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, first of its kind in the nation, which also serves as state headquarters for its partners – Wisconsin Foundation for School Music 

(WFSM – the fundraising arm of WSMA) and Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA – the state association for professional music educators).  

WSMA is currently seeking a Media Relations Intern. This is a paid ($2,000 stipend) part-time internship (10-15 hours per week) reporting to the Director of Communications and will assist with media relations and media production coordination at the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, including public relations for Launchpad – a statewide music competition for high school students in bands formed outside of school, and other programs. The ideal candidate will be energetic, professional, organized, a quick-learner and able to work under deadlines in a dynamic, non-profit environment. Start date and hours are flexible. Must provide own transportation. 

Responsibilities: 

• Direct involvement and support in various activities and projects, such as: 
• Public relations  
• Developing and distributing news releases, media advisories and other PR materials 
• Making follow-up calls to media contacts and pitching story ideas 
• Maintaining PR records – lists, placements, etc.
• Media production 
• Assisting with TV, radio and newspaper ads and public service announcements from production to distribution 
• Maintaining archives of ads, PSAs and print materials 

Internship Benefits: 

• Invaluable real-life experience working in a unique, non-profit environment dedicated to perpetuating music education 
• Hands-on portfolio building and professional development opportunities 

Qualifications: 

• Pursuing a degree in communications, journalism, public relations, advertising, marketing or arts management 
• Strong writing skills with understanding of AP style guidelines 
• Strategic and creative
• Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint with an openness to learn other basic programs 
• Interest and belief in the missions of our organizations 

For full consideration, please send letter, resume and non-returnable writing samples by November 5, 

2012 to Wisconsin School Music Association, Attention: Kevin Thays, 1005 Quinn Drive, Waunakee, 

Wisconsin, 53597 or thaysk@wsmamusic.org. Become familiar with our organizations and programs by 

visiting www.wsmamusic.org.