Xponent21 is offering an immersive internship experience for post-graduates seeking to develop hands-on expertise in marketing strategy, execution, and community engagement. As a Summer Intern, you will gain exposure to multi-channel digital marketing initiatives while contributing to impactful projects that support both our client work and Richmond Water, our sustainability-focused initiative. Depending on your skills and interests, you may be involved in digital advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), content production (copy, video, audio, etc.), or grassroots marketing efforts. This is an excellent opportunity to develop real-world marketing experience while making a meaningful impact, utilizing creative and strategic thinking, brand storytelling, and data-driven decision-making.

We recognize that every intern brings unique skills and passions to the table. Rather than assigning a fixed title, we will work with you upon arrival to tailor your role and title based on your specific interests and strengths—whether it’s Strategic Marketing & Communications Intern, Digital Marketing & Brand Growth Intern, Marketing & Community Engagement Intern or something uniquely suited to your expertise.

Responsibilities

As an Xponent21 Summer Intern, you will:

• Collaborate closely with our Client Services team to support client marketing initiatives in areas such as digital advertising, SEO, content creation, and campaign management.
• Conduct research and analyze data to optimize marketing strategies and improve campaign performance.
• Assist with the execution of Richmond Water marketing initiatives, including securing sponsorships, promoting water refill stations at events and festivals, and engaging with the local community.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute creative ideas for client, Xponent21 and Richmond Water campaigns.
• Assist with project coordination, ensuring deadlines are met and deliverables align with objectives.
• Support reporting efforts by gathering key performance metrics and summarizing insights for internal and client-facing presentations.

Skills Required

We are seeking candidates who:

• Have earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, journalism, or a related field.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to craft compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrate an understanding of digital marketing fundamentals, including SEO, content marketing, social media, or paid advertising.
• Are detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Have proficiency with Google Workspace tools (Docs, Sheets, Slides) or Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Possess a proactive, problem-solving mindset and a willingness to learn.
• Exhibit creative and strategic thinking, brand storytelling abilities, and data-driven decision-making skills.

Desired Skills

Candidates with the following experience or skills will have an advantage, but they are not required:

• Hands-on experience with digital marketing platforms such as Google Ads, Meta Business Suite, Google Analytics, or email marketing software.
• Experience in grassroots marketing, event coordination, or community engagement.
• Familiarity with graphic design or video editing tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar software).
• Sales or sponsorship experience, particularly in the nonprofit or event space.
• A passion for sustainability and interest in environmental initiatives.
• Experience with Asana or similar project management solution.

Xponent21 is seeking a talented Account Strategist to contribute leadership and experience and help clients grow. The Account Strategist is passionate about uncovering business, market and brand insights that shape innovative thinking and drive creative ideas. They will lead the development of brand, marketing, and communications strategies and are responsible for the creation, implementation and measurement of integrated programs. Serving as the point person in leading strategic engagements and ensuring a positive experience for accounts and organizations that rely on Xponent21 for business planning and development of their brand and integrated programs and strategies.

External Responsibilities

• Leads strategic engagements by collaborating closely with the client, conducting research, analyzing research results and forming insights, and developing and presenting strategic brand, marketing and communications recommendations.
• Fosters strong, positive relationships with clients by being proactive, approachable, and responsive to their needs, ensuring confidence in presented strategies and driving long-term partnerships.
• Collects, organizes, and analyzes detailed data and information regarding audience demographics, market and industry trends, products and services, competitors, as well as sales intelligence and results.
• Guides clients in defining their target markets and audiences, as needed, by conducting research, collaborating with the client and applying market segmentation techniques and customer journey mapping.
• Translates research insights into brand, marketing and communications strategies that align with the client’s business objectives.
• Assists in developing effective business proposals for clients.
• Analyzes and resolves account challenges and issues.
• Optimizes account activities to achieve business goals.
• Creates account strategy plans to meet business objectives.

Internal Responsibilities

• Develops integrated programs focused on achieving the client’s business objectives. The Account Strategist details the tactical elements of the program, leverages internal teams to establish clear metrics to measure program performance and develops a detailed report to present/review with clients on a set cadence.
• Manages timelines, logistics, budgets and billing for strategic engagements to ensure milestones are met, execution is flawless and the work is profitable.

Skills Required

• Strategic planning experience focused on building brands, marketing initiatives, and/or creating integrated communications programs.
• Hands-on experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research with a proven ability to identify insights and use them to form strategic brand, marketing and communications recommendations.
• Up-to-date knowledge of digital and mobile marketing and analytics, social media, SEO, content marketing and lead nurturing techniques.
• A solid understanding of business and marketing fundamentals.
• Proven ability to inspire creative teams with clear, insightful, actionable strategies and supporting rationale, and the ability to translate strategic detail into focused creative briefs.
• Excellent client-facing skills; a style that engages the client collaboratively and creates a positive client experience.
• Proven track record in client service; demonstrated success in providing clients with on-strategy work and managing projects to on-time, on-budget completion. Five years minimum of external account management is required.
• Excellent business and sales writing skills; experience writing conference briefs, proposals, strategy documents, communications plans, and presentation talking points.
• Strong verbal presentation skills; experience presenting to senior-level decision makers with an ability to win confidence and their business.

Desired Skills

• Proven experience in leveraging SEO to drive business growth by increasing organic traffic, improving conversion rates, and optimizing digital presence to align with business objectives.
• Content marketing experience focused on creating and executing strategies that engage target audiences, enhance brand visibility, and support overall marketing goals through compelling, SEO-optimized content.