ASTA is seeking to fill an internship position in Ag/Science Communications.

Ideal candidates will be entering their junior or senior year of college or enrolled in a master’s program, studying relevant agricultural or science disciplines.

About the Internship: The internship offers students the opportunity to gain valuable communications and policy experience while learning in a hands-on environment. Interns will develop leadership and project management skills, while gaining insight into association work and cutting-edge agricultural research. They will manage projects from start to finish and work closely and collaboratively with ASTA staff. Interns will participate in ASTA’s Leadership Summit, where they’ll have access to valuable educational content and networking opportunities with ASTA members. Upon completion, interns will have a portfolio of relevant hands-on project experience to add to their resumes.

Internship Position: Ag/Science Communications

This position may be based remotely or in-person in ASTA’s Alexandria, VA headquarters. Candidates must be available to attend the ASTA Leadership Summit, June 25-29 in Indianapolis.

Key duties/job functions include:

• Research Support
  • Conduct outreach to universities and scientific organizations to identify ongoing/new gene editing research in plants
  • Identify and catalog story ideas and potential spokespeople to support ASTA communications efforts
• Writing Support
  • Draft articles, blog posts and other online content for use across ASTA’s channels and newsletters
• Social Media Support  
  • Content planning and development
  • Identification and engagement with key online influencers
• Student Engagement
  • Assist in gathering new company and student spotlights for the student newsletter
  • Update university contact lists
• ASTA Leadership Summit Support
  • Assist with pre-conference logistics and marketing efforts leading up to ASTA’s Leadership Summit in June 25-29 in Indianapolis
  • Attend the conference and provide on-site support as assigned
  • Participate in relevant student programming, including leadership development and advocacy sessions

Key desired skills include:

• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Experience in social media planning and content development
• Basic understanding of web content management  
• Interest in agriculture and science; completion of some scientific coursework preferred
• Organized, detail oriented and highly self-motivated
• Ability to work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment

Apply Now:

Do you have the skills and the desire to be part of a fun, hard-working team? Send your resume, two writing samples and a brief cover letter to Ann Jorss, ASTA chief operating officer, at ajorss@betterseed.org with the subject “Internship Application.” Please specify that you are applying for the Communications position. For questions and additional information, please call (703) 837-8140.

The deadline for applications is March 1, 2022.

About ASTA: Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is one of the oldest trade associations in the United States. Its membership consists of over 700 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding and related industries in North America. ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry wide importance. ASTA promotes the development of better seed, to produce better crops, for a better quality of life. To learn more, visit: betterseed.org.