Diversity Advocate Internship

The Diversity Advocate intern is a leader for diversity, equity and inclusion in study abroad and global engagement opportunities at the University of Montana. This student meets their campus peers where they are, fosters relationships with student groups, and helps UM Education Abroad better meet and serve students’ needs and interests for internationalizing the University of Montana’s student body and campus.  

The Diversity Advocate Intern acts as a liaison on campus between student groups and the Global Engagement Office. They assist the study abroad staff in providing information and resources to students to promote University of Montana Education Abroad programs. This intern will initiate, and maintain regularly, communication with student groups on campus, attending group meetings in order to introduce study abroad and learn where students stand on global engagement opportunities. Moreover, this intern will attend as well as host events on campus with the support and collaboration of the Global Engagement Office and campus student groups. In doing so, this intern will relay the feedback they receive from students back to UM Education Abroad’s team in order to enhance the student experience, study abroad program design, and application process.

The Diversity Advocate Intern position provides the opportunity to enhance individual skills in written and interpersonal communication, organization, scheduling, public relations, public speaking, writing, sourcing information, and diversity training. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Lead outreach activities to increase participation in study abroad, prioritizing outreach to underrepresented groups. 
• Gather and develop resources to best assist UM students in their application process and preparation for study abroad (i.e. developing an FAQ). 
• Work closely with UM Education Abroad Coordinator to develop teaching aids and resources that can be used in campus presentations. 
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Coordinator Intern in developing social media material that best represents or is relevant for our target demographics. 
• Respond to email inquiries from student groups wanting to learn more or to schedule a presentation/visit. 
• Assist the UM Education Abroad Coordinator in updating and maintaining the Student Ambassador network and website pages. 
• Research, propose and design new event ideas for outreach and engagement. 
• Regularly update resources on UM Education Abroad’s Identity Abroad website. 
• Assist in collecting photo donations from current or alumni UM Education Abroad students. 
• Participate in some of the following tasks: 
• Attend the Education Abroad Fair (occurs once per semester) 
• Attend weekly team meetings with UM Education Abroad and fellow interns 
• Organize volunteers for special events/projects, as needed 
• Work on other office projects, as assigned. 

Benefits 

• Obtain training in the profession of diversity, inclusion, and public relations 
• Develop skills in a professional work environment 
• Enhance leadership, teamwork, and communication skills 
• Have a chance to use the knowledge of international matters and cross-cultural communication acquired from your own global experiences or passions 
• Have the opportunity to work with individuals around the campus, including faculty, staff, and students 
• Experience an exciting, challenging, and rewarding job in a fast paced, cross-cultural setting 
• Gain concrete experience to put on your resume 
• Build your professional portfolio with projects that have long-lasting impact 
• May earn UM credits -- this is not a paid internship  

Requirements 

• Must be a UM student in good academic and judicial standing 
• Must be available to work at least 10-15 hours a week. There may be occasional evening and/or weekend hours (but interns are notified in far in advance if this is ever to occur) 
• Must enthusiastically and accurately promote the concept of education abroad to UM students, faculty, and staff; strong presentation skills and confidence in public speaking needed 
• Must have a high level of written and oral communication skills 
• Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, and resourceful 
• Must be respectful, flexible, and willing to learn 
• Must portray a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Additional Desirable Attributes and Background 

• Desire to work with students from various, diverse backgrounds 
• Experience with other cultures and intercultural situations, including studying, living, and/or traveling abroad, learning another language, working abroad (paid or volunteer), etc. 
• Identifies with or is active in a student group or organization on campus 
• Patience for helping students clarify their own needs, best interests, capacities, and resources in order to make informed choices and decisions about available study abroad opportunities 
• Experience with public speaking, engaging charisma and warmth, comfortable talking with strangers 

Application Instructions 

Students must apply via Handshake.

Preference in hiring will be given to students who are able to commit to the position for the entire Fall 2021 term. All new hires must complete the mandatory training program. All positions will be open until filled. 

For full consideration, attach a resume with TWO relevant* references, a cover letter, and your weekly availability to Handshake. 

*References should not be relatives and these individuals should be able to speak to why you’d be a good candidate, given the requirements or desirable attributes above. 

Please email mckennah.andrews@mso.umt.edu if you have any questions, using the subject line “EA Diversity Advocate Internship Application.”