Fall Marketing and Communications Intern

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 general public about animal wellness and safety.

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 August to December, totaling 10-15 hours per week, depending on availability. The intern will be on-site two to 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 York County SPCA is active on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
• Engage with our online community by responding to comments and messages through Meta Business Suite and on-platform in a timely manner.
• 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 Content Creator to create and send monthly email newsletters through email marketing software.
• Create visually appealing graphics, photos, and videos.
• Maintain a content calendar for timely, relevant posts using a social media scheduling tool.
• Support the Content Creator in producing and editing the quarterly print newsletter “Pet Gazette” and collaborate with the Content Creator in making edits.

Development:

• Assist the development department with written materials as requested (e.g., online fundraisers, appeal letters).
• Assist the development department with planning and executing fundraising events when requested.

 Volunteer Project Support:

• Assist the volunteer & community engagement manager with volunteer initiatives, events, and appreciation efforts.
• Collaborate on developing materials and content for volunteer engagement, including social media highlights.
• Assist in creating materials, videos, and other helpful tools to support volunteer onboarding and continued learning.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from the shelter.
• Current enrollment in a relevant undergraduate program or recent graduate (public relations, social media, communications, marketing, or nonprofit administration, etc.). You must be at least a sophomore, according to your college’s credit system, to apply.

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 and our mission.
• 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 at all times – 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 marketing and events manager and communications director as needed.
• Great interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to facilitate difficult conversations.

Working Conditions and Expectations:

• Weekly availability to come to the shelter and/or satellite office 2-3 days (a total of 10-20 hours) per week. We will work with you to set your schedule when you start.
• The communications intern must attend and pass the York County SPCA Dog-Walking class. The Intern will be expected to be comfortable working with animals for promotional purposes, including interacting with and walking them. Dog-walking can be physically demanding and may involve walking 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 needs of the job 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 to Taylor Harris, York County SPCA Marketing and Events Manager, at [email protected].

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.