Alumni Profile: A Thoughtful Interview with Alumna Maddy Shannon, Coordinator of SEFA and Subsequent Florida State University Grad Student

Interviewed by Jacob Graham-Bialer
Maddy Shannon is a SUNY New Paltz Strategic Communication graduate who has held numerous positions. She has been the cashier team leader at Bagels and Bites, front desk agent at Hasbrouck House, and Donor Development Intern and Coordinator at United Way of Dutchess and Orange counties. She hopes to earn a graduate degree in Integrated Marketing and Management Communications. Throughout her various occupations, Shannon has been a stalwart learner, and she excels in the field of communications—both written and verbal.

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Introducing the MA in Strategic Communication: Seniors Can Take Graduate Courses!

The Department of Communication is excited to announce the launch of its graduate degree, Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, beginning Spring 2024. This program caters to both traditional students and working professionals. The program is entirely new and still accepting students for the Spring 2024 semester! As a whole, it focuses on facilitating conversations, communication theory, conducting research, and most importantly, real-world application. graphic about grad program Continue reading

Introducing Michael Kim, Our New Communication Studies Professor!

Join us in welcoming our new professor in Communication Studies Dr. Michael Kim! Professor Kim is teaching two classes this semester: CMM375 Social Change and Advocacy Communication and CMM353 Persuasion and Social Influence. Professor Kim’s research and teaching are focused on social change communication, specifically, the important roles of communication and media in the process of social change. For example, he investigates how the actors of social change (NGOs, journalists, etc.) communicate about social issues. His courses teach students the strategic and critical thinking that can lead to changing the mechanisms within the social structure and culture. Michael Kim headshot

Professor Kim was born in Bloomington, IN, and grew up in South Korea, where he earned his bachelor’s degree from Hanyang University. He then earned his master’s from the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK. In America, he spent a year at The University of Texas at Austin, followed by another 4 years at the University of Miami working toward and then earning his PhD. Before coming to New Paltz, Professor Kim was not familiar with the area, but he always envisioned himself living in the New York area. He loves the location of New Paltz and enjoys the welcoming community. Although it is a completely different climate, both socially and environmentally, compared to Miami and South Korea, Professor Kim is adjusting well and appreciates the engagement from both faculty and students on campus. Professor Kim is ecstatic to be teaching here and broadening his horizons, as this is early in his career in academia.  

Professor Kim’s personal interests changed a lot with transition as he moves from place to place; however, he has always enjoyed playing soccer or futsal. In New Paltz he has been exploring the area, hiking and taking walks, and finding his place in the community. 

In class, Professor Kim would like to emphasize issues of social change and international development and encourage students with critical thinking. In general, he wants students to be able to think critically and apply what they learn to their area of interest. As this is his first teaching position, Professor Kim is still figuring out his unique teaching style. However, he sees himself more as a mutual facilitator of learning than simply an instructor. He values student engagement and encourages them to be able to relate to the topics and content to their own experiences. His classes will consist of lectures and discussions.  Professor Kim wants his students to be approachable and open-minded to lead to an enjoyable classroom experience. He is still experimenting in terms of course design and looks forward to his students to reach out freely with feedback and suggestions about the course, topics, and format. 

Digital Communications Intern Needed for Summer 2023 on Governors Island, NYC

Governors Island is a popular year-round destination located in the middle of New York Harbor. For almost two centuries, the Island was closed to the public, operating as a military base for the U.S. Army and, later, the Coast Guard. Today, an award-winning park is complemented by dozens of unique historic buildings, educational and cultural facilities, a rich arts and culture program, and a 22-acre National Monument managed by the National Park Service. Looking ahead, the Island is envisioned to be further activated as a resource for all of New York City, with expanded educational, nonprofit, and commercial facilities.

POSITION: Digital Communications Intern for summer 2023

The Trust for Governors Island seeks a Digital Communications Intern for summer 2023. Working closely with the entire Public Affairs team, which oversees communications, marketing, community engagement, and public programming for Governors Island, the Digital Communications Intern will support efforts to engage a diverse audience of New Yorkers during the Island’s busiest season. This is an exciting opportunity to work in one of New York City’s most dynamic public places and learn about nonprofit marketing and communications, community relations, public affairs, and placemaking.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Build and execute content to drive engagement across Governors Island’s social and digital marketing channels.
• Assist with collecting and analyzing social and other digital analytics to inform content strategy and development.
• Support the Public Affairs team in promoting Governors Island as an accessible and dynamic destination, including promoting its park, recreational activities, public programs, art installations, and food and beverage operators.
• Support staff with needs related to a wide variety of events and special activities and programs.
• Special projects as needed.

Applicants should be available to work in-person throughout the summer and should expect a start date in late May or early June.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
• High school graduate or equivalent currently enrolled in a bachelor’s, associate, or certificate program with a focus on marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, urban planning, graphic design, or related fields.
• Senior Manager also considers non-traditional interns who are looking to re-enter the workforce or change careers; this may include those who have previously graduated from college.

Experience:
• Experience and success developing, creating, and executing engaging content for social media, email campaigns, and websites in a nonprofit or similar setting.
• Passion and interest in public space, New York City parks, climate justice, public art, and/or cultural programming.

Skills and Abilities:
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, multi-task, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills—you’re a creative storyteller who can get audiences excited, break down complex ideas into engaging and easily digestible content, and tailor messaging based on audience and media type.
• Familiarity with developing content (in a professional or personal capacity) for social platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
• Familiarity with web management and email marketing tools, Adobe Creative Suite, and/or Canva a plus.
• Interest or experience in video production a plus.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or similar software.

Salary: $18 per hour

Location and Schedule: All positions are located on Governors Island in New York City. Applicants should be available to work in-person until the Fall and can expect a start date in May or June.

TO APPLY
Please send a brief cover letter and resume as a single PDF document to jobs@govisland.org with “2023 Digital Communications Intern” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

All new hires must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or disability. If you are offered employment with the Trust, this requirement must be met by your date of hire, unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approved by the Trust.

The Trust for Governors Island does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, genetic information, marital status, membership in an employee organization, military service, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, or other non-merit factor.

About Us

The Trust for Governors Island (the Trust) is a nonprofit corporation created by the City of New York. It is responsible for the redevelopment and operation of 150 acres of Governors Island. The Trust’s mission is to realize the full potential of Governors Island, demonstrating a bold vision for public space. For more information, visit www.govisland.org

How to Apply