Communications Specialist Intern at Grandma's House of Hope

Grandma’s House of Hope (GHH) was founded in 2004 to fill gaps in basic needs by providing wrap-around shelter services to Orange County’s most vulnerable, underserved, and socio-economically disadvantaged women and men experiencing homelessness. Our welcoming homes nurture hope, our case managers promote growth, our counseling partners facilitate healing, and our housing navigators guide participants toward stability. Our goal is for participants to graduate to permanent housing as stronger, more confident, and autonomous individuals through these holistic resources.

About the role

The Communications Specialist Intern will engage with diverse audiences through multiple channels while supporting Grandma’s House of Hope’s communications, marketing, and community engagement efforts. This 10-week paid internship, supported through grant funding, provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in nonprofit communications, graphic design, social media, digital content, fundraising communications, and event promotion while contributing to GHH’s mission and goals.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt | Part-time, 10-week internship | Up to 32 hours per week during business hours (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) | $21 per hour

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director of Development to create and implement an annual communication plan including marketing calendar, fundraising campaigns, and marketing materials.
• Build awareness and engagement through web management, including weekly updates, monthly fundraising campaigns, and monthly page creation.
• Create marketing/promotion campaigns that include print, emails, and events to increase awareness and revenue.
• Develop email strategy, including bi-weekly blasts and email acquisition campaigns.
• Write and edit clear and compelling communications for GHH’s website, social media, press releases, and print materials.
• Design graphics (digital and print) for ads, banners, campaigns, brochures, invitations, website, flyers, etc.
• Assist in data entry and maintain GHH software and databases, including Fundraise Up, 360 Double the Donation, Bloomerang, Salesforce, GiveSmart, GiveGab, Squarespace, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Stripe, Twitter, YouTube, Canva, Formstack, and Linktree.
• Create an annual social media plan with a calendar and goals.
• Produce and manage videos, storyboards, filming, and editing for social media, YouTube, website, and live events.
• Generate new weekly social media content, including finding new GHH stories, quotes, photos, and captivating text.
• Support annual events, including communications, promotions, sponsorship, auction items, and day-of event logistics.
• Manage multiple competing projects, timelines, calendars, campaigns, and deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic marketing and communications principles and best practices, including campaign management and database management.
• Experience with Bloomerang or Salesforce is a plus.
• Advanced knowledge of social media platforms and best practices.
• Experience with graphic design.
• Combination of education and experience; nonprofit experience preferred.

Skills

• Good customer relations and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and coordination skills.
• Ability to set goals and meet deadlines.
• Team-oriented with exceptional communication abilities, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to multitask and work with multiple audiences, both externally and internally.
• Good record-keeping skills.
• Knowledge of relevant office practices and procedures, with the ability to master new procedures.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Canva, and social media platforms.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for GHH’s mission and vision.

Physical Activity

In the course of performing this job, the incumbent typically spends time sitting, walking, standing, listening/speaking, writing, and operating a personal computer. The employee will be required to drive an automobile or use public transportation to attend meetings within the community. The employee may need to move office records and supplies weighing up to 40 lbs. and, on an occasional basis, set up/break down displays, bend, transport materials, climb stairs, and stand for long periods during special events. Reasonable accommodations may be arranged to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties of the job. Requires travel throughout Southern California, primarily in Orange County.