Communications Intern

York County SPCA Purpose:

The York County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a charitable organization dedicated to providing long-term human and animal services to residents of York County through programs that find permanent, loving homes for displaced and stray animals, help control animal population growth, investigate and prosecute cruelty offenders and educate the public about animal wellness and safety.

Position Overview:

The York County SPCA seeks a dynamic and motivated communications intern to join our team and assist the communications and development departments with social media management, content creation, marketing, and writing. This unpaid volunteer internship offers valuable experience in the non-profit sector and a chance to positively impact the lives of animals in our care. This internship is ideal for someone pursuing a career in public relations, social media, communications, marketing, or nonprofit administration.

This internship will take place from June through August, totaling 10-20 hours per week, depending on availability. The intern will be onsite between two and three days per business week (Monday through Friday). Evening or weekend hours may be required to work or attend organization events.

Essential Functions:

• Social Media Management:
  • Assist in managing and curating content for our social media platforms. The YCSPCA is active on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
  • Monitor social media trends and suggest strategies to enhance our online presence.
    
    
• Content Creation: 
  • Develop creative and engaging multimedia content – including social media (TikTok, Reels), blog posts, feature videos, print newsletter articles, and more. 
    • Collaborate with the marketing and communications manager to create and send bi-weekly email newsletters through email marketing software.
    • Create visually appealing graphics, photos, and videos.
    • Maintaining a content calendar for timely and relevant posts through a social media scheduling tool
    • Support the communications department in producing and editing the bi-annual print newsletter the “Pet Gazette.” 

• Volunteer Project Support:
  • Assist the volunteer & community engagement manager with volunteer initiatives, events, and appreciation efforts.
  • Collaborate on developing materials and content related to volunteer engagement, including social media highlights.
  • Assist in creating materials, videos, and other helpful tools to support volunteer onboarding and continued learning.
    
• Development:
  • Assist in the production of short, engaging videos for online fundraisers and social media campaigns.
  • Aid in the planning and execution of fundraising events as needed, including logistics, creative assets, and donor experience.
  • Assist the development department with written materials when requested (i.e., online fundraiser copy, donor engagement emails, etc.). 

Capstone Project: The capstone project for the summer internship program at the YCSPCA is the Pet Portrait Fundraiser, a fun and engaging campaign that connects artists and donors with the YCSPCA’s mission through personalized artwork. The communications intern will curate, promote, and manage the fundraiser with support from the marketing and events manager.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from the shelter.
• Must have a laptop or computer to perform job duties.
• Current enrollment in a relevant undergraduate program or recent graduate (public relations, social media, communications, marketing, or nonprofit administration, etc.).
  

Preferred:

• 
  Prior experience with domestic animals (i.e., dogs, cats, and small animals) is preferred but not required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interest in animal welfare and non-profit work.
• Excellent written skills, including the ability to write blog articles and compelling stories to promote the animals, our mission, etc.
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & LinkedIn).
• Proficiency with the design platform Canva is preferred.
• Familiarity with email newsletter platforms (ActiveCampaign) is preferred.
• Creative mindset and ability to think outside the box.
• Task-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to use good judgment and communicate professionally – act as a voice for our organization and its mission.
• Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff and volunteers.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and identify issues that should be raised with the content creator and communications director as needed.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to facilitate difficult conversations.
  

Working Conditions and Expectations:

• 
  Weekly availability: Work on site 2-3 days (a total of 10-20 hours) per week. We will help you set your schedule when you start.
• 
  The communications intern must graduate from the York County SPCA Dog-Walking class. The Intern will be expected to be comfortable working with animals for promotional purposes, which will involve interacting with and walking them. Dog walking can be a physically demanding, especially with larger, stronger dogs that pull on the leash. 
• 
  This position will require occasional night and weekend work. Flexibility and willingness to adjust hours to accommodate the organization's needs is necessary. Typical work weeks are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• 
  Standard office environment, with exposure to environmental conditions, including working near and potentially caring for animals. Various domestic animals visit the office nearly every day.
  

Physical Requirements:

• 
  Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, grasp, grip, and put fingers together firmly. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
  
  

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio or writing samples via the BambooHR listing.

Examples to include in a portfolio:

• 
  Links to any social media accounts you have managed and sample content you have posted
• 
  Graphics you have created (such as flyers, social media posts, promotional materials, etc.)
• 
  Links to blog articles
• 
  Copies of press releases
• 
  Creative writing samples
• 
  Professional writing samples
• 
  Email/print newsletters

Disclaimer: The York County SPCA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We encourage applications from individuals who share our commitment to animal welfare and community service.