Content Writer Intern presso American Equity

At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

The American Equity Summer Internship Program offers an immersive real-world experience, closely replicating the career journey of an American Equity professional. Each intern will contribute to meaningful, hands-on projects that drive measurable business outcomes, gaining valuable experience along the way.

Interns will also have the opportunity to present their project work to company leaders, network with executives, and participate in educational programs designed to support their personal and professional growth. Additionally, interns will engage in community service projects and social events, building connections with fellow interns and the broader American Equity team.

The internship will be a 10 week program located at our downtown Des Moines office.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
This internship is designed for college seniors or recent graduates eager to gain practical experience in financial content creation and marketing. The Content Writer Intern plays a key role in developing and refining engaging content focused on annuities, retirement planning, and various financial products, helping to simplify complex financial concepts to diverse audiences. The intern provides valuable support to professional staff within organizational functions that align with their field of study and contribute to ongoing projects gaining hands-on experience in a structured, professional environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Content Development: 
•    Draft and edit a variety of short-form content, including promotional copy for digital advertising and social media, to capture attention and drive engagement.
•    Contribute to the creation and revision of longer-form content such as blog posts, social media updates, website copy, and educational guides, specifically related to annuities and other financial products.
•    Review and proofread content, including brochures, emails, website copy, white papers, and presentations, for grammatical accuracy, spelling, punctuation, and consistency.
•    Support the development of content outlines, ensuring logical flow and messaging consistency across all materials.
Collaboration & Learning:
•    Collaborate with the marketing and other internal teams to ensure content aligns with brand messaging and strategic goals.
•    Receive and implement feedback on content drafts from team leaders and peers, honing writing skills and learning to refine written materials.
•    Research industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitor content to identify new topics and content opportunities.
•    Assist with maintaining a content calendar to ensure timely delivery of materials across various platforms.
Audience Engagement Support:
•    Learn to tailor content for specific target audiences, including financial advisors, policyholders, and prospective clients, ensuring clarity and accessibility.
•    Explore and learn to utilize platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook
•    Completes project and support tasks with guidance from mentor and department leader.
•    Collaborates with fellow interns across departments on a strategic, cross-functional initiative that drives meaningful business impact.
•    Performs other related work as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports:  
General Description of Indirect Reports :  

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
•    Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in English, Journalism, Marketing, Finance, Economics, or a related field, OR a recent graduate of such a program.
•    Basic understanding of financial concepts, preferably including annuities and retirement planning, with a willingness to learn and research complex topics.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:
•    N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

•    Excellent written communication skills, with an ability to clearly and effectively explain complex concepts.
•    Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external partner.
•    Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
•    Strong organizational and time management skills.
•    Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with keen attention to detail.
•    Demonstrates a high level of accountability setting personal goals and working to align these with business activities; work in an organized matter.
•    Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
•    Strong research skills to gather accurate information on financial products, market trends, and regulatory updates.
•    Willingness to learn and apply AP writing style guidelines.
•    Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
•    Strong interpersonal skills to interact cooperatively with team members and stakeholders.

DISCLAIMER
This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job. It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each task is to be performed. Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager. All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.