Sasha Bruce Youthwork Inc is hiring: Communication and Advocacy Intern in Washin

Communications and Advocacy Intern

Job Location: Hybrid / 741 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Schedule: 15-20 hours per week, with flexibility around class schedules

Duration: 3-4 months, with possibility of extension

Position Type: Intern

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Sasha Bruce Youthwork is the leading provider of homeless youth services in the DC region. Founded in 1974, Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY) works to improve the lives of runaway, homeless, abused, and neglected youth and their families in the DC region. We achieve this by providing shelter, counseling, life skills training, and positive youth development activities to over 5,000 youth and their families each year. With 48 years of experience meeting the growing needs of DC’s youth and families with innovative programs, SBY is committed to ending youth homelessness.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a driven Communications and Advocacy Intern to support our organization's public relations and advocacy initiatives in the District of Columbia and Prince George's County, MD. Working directly with the Executive Director, this role offers hands-on experience in digital advocacy, media engagement, and coalition building. The intern will gain valuable experience in crafting compelling messages, engaging with local stakeholders, and supporting advocacy campaigns while developing professional skills in strategic communications.

Key Responsibilities: The Communications and Advocacy Intern will assist in developing and implementing communications strategies while supporting our organization's local advocacy efforts. This position combines traditional communications duties with hands-on experience in policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement across the DC metropolitan region.

Primary Functions:

• Support the Executive Director in developing and executing digital advocacy strategies for DC and Prince George's County initiatives.

• Draft communications materials, including press releases, newsletters, and social media content focused on local policy priorities.

• Monitor regional policy developments and prepare briefing materials for leadership.

• Build and maintain relationships with local coalition partners and community organizations.

• Create content for advocacy campaigns across multiple digital channels.

• Assist in coordinating local advocacy events and stakeholder meetings.

• Help maintain relationships with DC and Maryland media outlets and track coverage.

• Assist in managing the organization's editorial calendar.

• Support the development of presentations and speaking materials for community meetings and local government hearings.

• Help coordinate responses to media inquiries.

• Maintain advocacy-related databases and contact lists for the DC metropolitan region.

• Provide administrative support for advocacy meetings and events.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in progress, preferably in Communications, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong research and analytical abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion

• Interest in local advocacy and public policy

• Knowledge of DC and Prince George's County, MD communities and issues

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous internship experience in communications or advocacy

• Knowledge of DC and Prince George's County legislative processes

• Experience with media relations or public relations

• Familiarity with social media management and digital advocacy tools

• Understanding of local government structures

• Experience working with community organizations

Learning Opportunities:

• Direct experience in local advocacy communications

• Exposure to DC and Prince George's County policy development

• Mentorship from senior leadership

• Development of strategic communications skills

• Understanding of coalition building and stakeholder engagement

• Experience in digital advocacy campaign management

To apply, please email drico@sashabruce.org a resume, a writing sample demonstrating your ability to communicate complex local issues, and a cover letter.

Please note: This is an unpaid internship. We are happy to work with your educational institution to provide credit for this internship if needed.

Sasha Bruce Youthwork is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.