We're Hiring! - PR Apprenticeship 2022
Deadline to apply - Monday, November 29, 2021, 12pm PST
Looking to explore a career in public relations? If you are passionate about supporting the arts activist community and working on projects for and by BIPOC orgs, creatives, professors, and businesses who are rooted in social justice work, then this might be the internship for you.
Who is PapaLoDown Agency?
The PapaLoDown Agency is a boutique public relations company specializing in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) arts activists, businesses, creatives, professors, and organizations; that are rooted in social justice work.
Through publicity and brand awareness campaigns the PapaLoDown team amplifies the unique stories behind each project; that in turn will not only create buzz, increase conversion rates, and build lasting relationships in the communities our clients serve, but also document their stories in the media.
The company’s well rounded background in the arts, entertainment, restaurant, retail, education, community organizing spaces, and an ethnic studies/social justice framework, provides clients with over 30 years of experience, and a diverse network of resources. The company was founded by Paloma B. Concordia in 2009, and is located in California (unceded Ohlone and Chumash territories).
Apprenticeship Program:
The PapaLoDown PR Apprenticeship Program is a 6 month hands-on training program, designed to mentor the next generation of publicists. After the program is completed, there are opportunities to be hired as a PR Coordinator and continue to grow within the organization.
What will I learn?
You will learn the basics of a publicity campaign - writing press releases, researching opportunities for our clients, pitching stories, and more! You'll get hands-on experience working side by side with our team. You can read more about who you will be working with here!
Is this the right opportunity for me?
You are someone who is interested in amplifying the stories of businesses, and organizations through the media, and enjoy building community, attending events, and connecting people. The right person is also a strong writer! A majority of your role is copywriting press releases and pitches, so you really need to be a compelling writer and creative thinker.
How old do you have to be to participate?
Minimum age is 21
How many hours is this program?
An average of 5 hours/week. (flexible schedule, work remotely.)
When will it start?
January 4, 2022
Is this a paid Internship? - Yes! A monthly stipend will be paid.
Interested in learning more? Fill out the form by Monday, Nov 29th, 12pm PST to be considered for an interview.
Check Out Our Previous Apprentices!
Lorenzo “Jolo” Merilleno is a Bay Area-based Marketing & Communications professional with a background in the Music, Arts, and Entertainment industries. With an extensive history in artist relations and brand management, he joined the PapaLoDown apprenticeship program in the middle of the pandemic, and landed key media placements for every campaign he worked on. On non-business hours, Jolo is an independent Folk singer-songwriter. As an artist, Jolo strives to uplift and pay homage to OPM (Original Pilipino Music) in gratitude to the country and culture that made him. He’s currently back in school working on his M.B.A.
Laurenmarie Reyes - PR Coordinator
Laurenmarie Reyes is a proud Bay Area native and has been planting roots in the magical city of New Orleans. She first joined the PapaLoDown family as an Apprentice in 2011, became a Client Coordinator in 2013, and is grew into the PR Coordinator role, before moving into the non-profit sector as a Director. With over 10 years of experience in Marketing, Event Planning, and Project Management, she is committed to supporting game changers in the arts, social equity, and sustainability spaces. She has worked with the likes of Jessica Sabogal, the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, MEDIATE Art Group, Funk Baby, and Liberty’s Kitchen, among dozens of other brilliant artists, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses.
Catherine Judge - Operations/HR
Catherine-Mercedes Judge is currently based in Seattle, WA and has spent the 10+ years managing social justice and leadership development initiatives with non-profit organizations in The San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and Boston. She developed and honed her public and media relations skills at The PapaLoDown Agency where she started as the company's first apprentice in 2010 and later worked as a PR assistant and coordinator. She is currently serving as PapaLoDown’s Booking Coordinator, negotiating contracts for high profile clients like Dr. Kevin Nadal, and Sahra Nguyen of Nguyen Coffee Supply. Catherine graduated with her MPA from Baruch College (CUNY) through the National Urban Fellows program, and a Bachelor’s in Urban Studies from Queens College (CUNY).