Digital Communications Intern

JOB SUMMARY:The Digital Communications Intern (DCI) will help develop and implement the digital and social media communication strategy and efforts of The Salvation Army National Headquarters, and assists with the creation and appropriate distribution of the digital and social media elements of all internal and external communications initiatives for National Headquarters.Uses all digital forms of communication (print, electronic, photo and video) to effectively communicate the mission of The Salvation Army internally and externally. Works specifically to strengthen and enhance the image and awareness of The Salvation Army through written content intended for electronic communications; seeks and identifies compelling stories and coordinates the writing of fresh content for national distribution by means of The Salvation Army’s National Website and social media channels; supports the communications team during emergency response situations involving National Headquarters, Territorial and Divisional headquarters and other emergency responder agencies as may be involved; assists with the writing of stories and news releases for the national newsroom; assists in the maintenance and content enrichment of the Red Shield Toolkit.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. You may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.Uses all forms of communication (print, electronic, photo and video) to aid the national communications team to effectively communicate the mission of The Salvation Army internally and externally, and to achieve the three digital communications objectives of The Salvation Army national headquarters: increase fundraising, build and protect The Salvation Army’s brand, and meet human needs.Assists in the planning, development, and implementation of the digital strategy, including Moments in Time, the national Red Kettle Campaign, and any public policy, emergency disaster service, or other national public relations or communications efforts, and subsequent content that will appear on the national website and social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.Works directly with the NCRD communications team and the Agency Of Record (AOR) to coordinate content creation and scheduling, and to ensure all digital content meets the digital communications objectives of The Salvation Army National Headquarters.Assists in the creation of all content and digital assets for national website and social media pages, including written content for the national blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, to accomplish the digital communications goals of National Headquarters.Works with Salvation Army communications professionals in the field to coordinate these efforts with appropriate local teams.Engages with online audiences via social media platforms to increase fundraising, build and protect the reputation of The Salvation Army, and meet human needs.Works with the communications team to identify new strategies to increase digital audience engagement and build digital brand advocates.Assists the Communications Manager in monitoring and measuring The Salvation Army’s social media presence and audience engagement, analyzes content trends and relevant issues, and plans future content accordingly.Actively engages with journalists, policy makers, social media influencers, and organizational peers to build brand recognition on social media and increase thought leadership.Maintains consistent strategy and implementation of peer-to-peer fundraising opportunities on social media, and coordinates these efforts with the NCRD digital fundraising team, NCRD communications team, and AOR.Assists with coordinating and conducting appropriate research, composing, proofreading and editing original, journalistic quality feature stories covering Salvation Army services and/or human-interest topics for regular updates on the NHQ national newsroom, and provides appropriate content for use as syndicated material for the fieldComposes, prepares, types, proofreads, and/or edits a wide variety of written communications including that of a confidential nature; ensures the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the same, including meeting tight deadlines.Follows organizational style guide on all materials and communicationsWorks with the Communications Manager to research, compile, summarize information, and develop reports and correspondence for routine and special projects resulting from public inquiries, NHQ and Territorial needs, and NCRD assigned writing assignments.Assists as assigned in the maintenance and content enrichment of the Red Shield Tool Kit.OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:Ensures all files are maintained in an organized and efficient manner.Performs other related work as required and assigned by the Communications Manager, Director of Communications, Director of Operations, or National CRD Secretary (Director).Must demonstrate dependability through attendance and punctuality.MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED:Computer and Printer Photocopy Machine ScannerDigital Photo Camera Cell PhoneMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Preferred applicants should be enrolled in a Communications, Public Relations Bachelor’s, or similar program, and eligible for college credit. Recent graduates are also eligible.LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:A valid driver’s license.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Excellent journalistic quality research and writing talent, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, proofreading and editing skillsKnowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office365 (primarily Word and PowerPoint), Photoshop, and Content Management SystemsA working knowledge of print, electronic and web publishing proceduresKnowledge and proficiency in online communications, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTubeAbility to learn and retain the broad scope of all NHQ section operations and services in order to serve as an effective information resource and to aid in a timely and effective manner.Ability to effectively and efficiently work on multiple deadline projects at the same time without becoming frustrated or disorganized.Ability to gather, compile, and assemble information into a final professional appearance product for letters, records, reports, etc.Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work in order to accomplish work in compliance with quality standards and deadlines.Ability to determine the most effective and efficient method to accomplish work objectives and goals and to work under minimal supervision.Ability to build and maintain effective and professional relationships with officers and employees at National Headquarters and throughout the territories.Ability to maintain the confidential nature of the department.MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES:Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.Ability to meet attendance requirements.Ability to read, write, and effectivelycommunicate the English language.Demonstrated research and analytical skillsAbility to concentrate and pay close attention to detail with constant breaks in concentrationAbility to follow instructions and work independently with minimal supervision when neededLimited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) 5-10% of work time.Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.WORKING CONDITIONS:Work is performed in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.*Duration of Internship: Sep 9 - Nov 22.The Salvation Army reserves the right to reassign, revise the job or to require that different or additional tasks be performed based on the organization’s need or when circumstances change.All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.Job Type: InternshipWork Location: In-person