• Philadelphia, PA
• Posted 1 week ago

Job Title: Communications and Development Intern
Organization: Philadelphia Energy Authority
Location: Primarily Hybrid,  with some opportunities for in-person collaboration at PEA’s Philadelphia office
Type: Internship
Timeframe: Spring 2026
Compensation: Paid
Application Deadline: January 28, 2026
Reports to: Senior Manager, Communications

About the Philadelphia Energy Authority

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA), an independent municipal authority, is working to build a robust, equitable clean energy economy in Philadelphia. Chartered by City Council and the Mayor in 2010, PEA is a quasi-governmental entity. In 2016, in partnership with City Council President Darrell Clarke, PEA launched the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, a $1 billion, 10-year investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects to create 10,000 jobs. Through 2025, PEA has helped launch over $1 billion in projects and created 8,400 jobs. We focus on municipal assets, schools, low- and moderate-income housing, small businesses and commercial and industrial projects and programs. We view energy as a high impact tool for reducing poverty, improving education, strengthening communities and leveraging public investment.

Internship Description

The Communications and Development Intern will serve as an integral part of the PEA team. Working under the supervision of PEA’s Senior Manager, Communications, the intern will be critical to expanding our outreach and impact. The intern will assist PEA in developing and refining the organization’s strategic messaging and outreach strategies for PEA’s key audiences. The intern is expected to gain practical experience in the areas of stakeholder outreach, digital marketing, public relations, and donor engagement. The intern may be asked to support specific PEA programs or projects as time allows.

Internship Responsibilities

• Support implementation of organization-wide communications strategy, ensuring messaging alignment across internal and external channels. Shape PEA’s public voice and elevate the organization’s visibility by creating compelling social media content and other digital content that informs and engages diverse audiences across Philadelphia and beyond.
• Develop platform-specific content strategies that elevate PEA’s programs, success stories, and community impact to strengthen brand identity and mission awareness. Support long-term digital engagement goals by contributing to data-driven content calendars and identifying trends, opportunities, and narratives that resonate with target audiences.
• Advance public relations initiatives, assisting with the drafting of press releases, media pitches, and other media outreach materials. Monitor and compile media coverage reports. Update and maintain PEA’s media database with current contact information.
• Translate program achievements and community impact into clear, compelling web copy that helps residents, businesses, partners, and policymakers understand and access PEA’s work. Contribute to a user-centered digital experience throughout an on-going website redesign process, helping to ensure PEA’s program information is easy to navigate and participate in.
• Collaborate on community outreach campaigns, supporting event coordination and preparation of clear, accessible materials to share with community organizations and partners. Draft presentation materials for City Councilmembers, the Mayor’s Office, state legislators, and other community partners. Support preparation of briefings, talking points, and stakeholder-facing communications.
• Prepare program summaries, project highlights, and visual impact presentations for stakeholder meetings. Maintain donor database and support research for on-going development efforts.
• Assist with administrative tasks as needed to ensure smooth project execution.
• Around 20% of the internship’s time will be available to support policy research and project design, including but not limited to:
  • Municipal project research and implementation support
  • Grants strategy and research support
  • Policy research related to state and city initiatives

Requirements and Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate student
• Demonstrated interest in energy, sustainability, climate change, and/or other relevant topics
• Experience with digital marketing tools (ie WordPress, Canva, Mailchimp) and social media channels with the ability to learn new platforms quickly and support basic troubleshooting
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Display maturity and a high level of professionalism
• Detail oriented and organized
• Must be collaborative and enjoy working with others
• Access to private computer and phone, ability to travel to Philadelphia office on occasion

Additional Information

This internship is structured as a 10-12-week placement. Interns should expect to contribute an average of 2–3 hours per day (approximately 10–15 hours per week), with some flexibility based on project needs, school schedules, and mutually agreed-upon availability. Occasional participation in events or meetings outside regular hours may be requested with advance notice.

To Apply: Submit a brief cover letter describing why you are the best fit for this position, along with a resume to jobs@philaenergy.org. The subject line must include “[FirstName LastName] Communications and Development Intern.” Incomplete applications will not be considered. Inquiries or clarifications are preferred to be submitted via email.

The Philadelphia Energy Authority is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status.