Communications and Marketing - Work- Study

About the Role

Established in 1937, Austin Housing Authority (AHA) is a national leader in providing safe, healthy and affordable housing options for the Austin community. AHA’s mission is to cultivate sustainable affordable housing communities and partnerships that inspire self‑reliance, growth and optimism. The Communications & Marketing Intern will support the dynamic communications team by crafting strategic messaging, creating engaging content, and distributing it across digital and traditional platforms.

Responsibilities

• Web & Intranet Content Management (50%): Build, update, and organize webpages and intranet content, including page layouts, text, images, links, and basic user‑experience improvements.
• Graphic Design & Creative Assets: Create graphics for social media, newsletters, presentations, flyers, webpages, digital displays, and other print and digital communications.
• Photography & Media Coverage: Photograph community events, resident programs, staff activities, and other agency initiatives; organize, archive, and prepare images for communications use.
• Content Creation & Social Media: Draft, edit, and proofread content for social media, email communications, newsletters, webpages, presentations, and other public‑facing materials; support social media planning, scheduling, content development, and performance tracking.
• Branding & Marketing Support: Assist with agency branding and marketing efforts, including implementation of brand standards, promotional campaigns, outreach materials, and strategic plan milestones.
• Community Storytelling: Gather stories, interviews, photos, and program information that highlight residents, employees, partners, properties, and agency impact.
• Administrative & Event Support: Provide communications support for community events, media activities, public meetings, staff initiatives, and special campaigns; conduct research and maintain content calendars and project files.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, organization, and attention‑to‑detail skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet strict deadlines, accept constructive feedback, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Comfort working professionally with residents, staff, community partners, and members of the public with empathy and respect.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or comparable productivity tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or coursework in web design, webpage development, content management systems, SharePoint, intranet development, or user experience.
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, or After Effects), or other graphic design and photo‑editing tools.
• Photography, videography, video editing, social media scheduling tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Constant Contact), or digital content creation experience.
• A portfolio or work samples demonstrating writing, design, photography, web, or marketing skills.
• Knowledge of or interest in affordable housing, public service, community development, or mission‑driven communications.
• Spanish‑language proficiency is helpful but not required.

Intern Guidelines & Expectations

• Treat residents and staff with respect and empathy.
• Use only approved AHA branding and templates.
• Route all media inquiries or sensitive questions to the Sr. Director of Strategic Communications.
• Obtain approval before publishing any content.
• Be accompanied by a staff member during any resident interviews.
• Complete training in trauma‑informed storytelling, graphic design, and AHA brand standards.

Internship Term & Future Opportunities

Initial term runs through December 31, 2026. Based on performance, project needs, funding, scheduling, and academic eligibility, the internship may be extended into the spring and summer semesters for up to one full year. Extensions are discretionary and not guaranteed.

Professional Development Notice

This internship is a temporary educational and professional development opportunity. It is not an entry point or a direct path to future employment with AHA. Interns are welcome to apply for publicly posted full‑time positions via the standard competitive hiring process.

Schedule

Ability to work in person in Austin for up to 24 hours per week, with scheduling coordinated around academic commitments and agency needs.