Communications and Public Affairs Intern

Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Summer 2014

The Houston Apartment Association is a professional trade association that serves individuals and businesses involved in the ownership, construction, management, maintenance and operation of apartments and other rental dwellings in the Houston area. The association serves members in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties. See for more information.

The Communications Department is responsible for the design, editorial content and production of ABODE magazine, HAA’s flagship publication, which comprises 80 full-color pages per month of relevant editorial for owner/management and supplier members of the association. The department is also responsible for the design, production and delivery of the association’s printed promotions, graphics, logos, specialty items, signage and more.

The Public Affairs Division is responsible for interaction with elected officials; researching and obtaining information relative to apartment regulations and interaction with city and county officials; managing public outreach programs and partnerships; managing contracts related to public relations consultants/efforts; planning and executing Better Government Fund Political Action Committee activities, reporting and fundraising.

Responsibilities of Intern

  • Researching selected topics
  • Culling research into user-friendly format for association use
  • Contacting, arranging and interviewing selected industry subjects
  • Transcribing and writing feature and supporting articles
  • Assisting in production of magazine/promotions
  • Assisting in updating website resources for members
  • Corresponding with elected officials or other individuals on behalf of the association
  • Assisting with photography activities as needed
  • Assisting with other association activities as needed
  • Attending selected association events
  • Assist with other tasks as assigned

Requirements

  • A major in journalism, corporate communications, English, etc.
  • Dedication of 10 to 15 hours per week on site at the HAA offices
  • Strong writing and interviewing skills, including familiarity with Associated Press style
  • Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel; QuarkXPress and Adobe CS a plus
  • Should receive University/College credit for internship, if appropriate
  • Dedication of 12 to 20 hours per week on site at HAA (minimum total of 100 hours expected)
  • Ability to use Microsoft Excel and Word

Intern reports to Aimee Arrington, Director of Community Engagement and Media, and Rachel Zoch, ABODE Managing Editor.

This internship is a PAID internship. An end of the semester, a stipend of up to $1000 will be awarded for successful fulfillment of the internship.

To apply, please send a resume and three writing samples (demonstration of ability to use AP style preferred) to Aimee Arrington at .