Marketing Communications Intern

StrongSteps Behavioral Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization working to expand behavioral health support, community education, family assistance, literacy initiatives, and community‑based programs throughout New York’s Southern Tier. The Marketing & Communications Intern will help communicate the organization’s work to community members, donors, volunteers, families, and partners, gaining practical experience in nonprofit marketing, social media, storytelling, public relations, content development, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop written and visual content for social media, website, email communications, fundraising campaigns, and community outreach.
• Draft social media captions, program announcements, event promotions, volunteer opportunities, donor acknowledgments, and community updates.
• Create graphics, flyers, event materials, digital advertisements, and campaign content using Canva or similar design platforms.
• Maintain an organized social media and communications calendar; schedule approved content and monitor basic engagement results.
• Review website pages to identify outdated information, broken links, unclear language, and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with content development for programs and fundraising initiatives, collecting approved stories, photographs, program highlights, and impact information.
• Support press releases, media notices, community calendar submissions, and outreach to local news organizations.
• Ensure consistent use of StrongSteps’ logos, colors, tone, and messaging.
• Promote fundraising events, workshops, literacy initiatives, and community programs.
• Research communication trends, relevant awareness campaigns, community events, and outreach opportunities.
• Organize photographs, graphics, templates, and other communications materials.
• Track social media reach, engagement, website activity, email performance, or other assigned communication measures.
• Participate in regular supervision meetings and provide project updates.
• Complete additional communications and marketing projects based on interests and organizational needs.

Essential Skills

• Strong written communication, grammar, and proofreading abilities.
• Creativity and interest in visual communication or storytelling.
• Ability to communicate respectfully about behavioral health, children, families, and community needs.
• Familiarity with major social media platforms.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Effective time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Receptiveness to feedback and ability to revise content.
• Capability to work independently while maintaining regular communication with a supervisor.
• Commitment to protecting confidential information and respecting participant privacy.

Minimum Requirements

• Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a college, university, community college, or approved educational or workforce‑development program.
• Pursuing or holding education in marketing, communications, public relations, graphic design, digital media, business, nonprofit management, English, journalism, or a related field.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Reliable access to email and the internet.
• Professional communication skills and ability to represent StrongSteps appropriately.
• Ability to produce accurate, respectful, and audience‑appropriate content.
• Willingness to follow StrongSteps’ approval process before publishing or distributing content.
• Successful completion of any required orientation, screening, and confidentiality agreements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using Canva or another graphic‑design platform.
• Experience creating content for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, or similar platforms.
• Experience with photography, short‑form video, video editing, email marketing, or website content.
• Previous volunteer, nonprofit, marketing, communications, customer‑service, or community‑outreach experience.
• Familiarity with accessibility practices such as readable graphics, captions, alternative text, and clear document structure.
• Knowledge of communities in Broome County or the greater Southern Tier region.
• A portfolio or examples of writing, design, social media, photography, or video work (welcome but not required).

Learning Opportunities

• Nonprofit marketing and communications.
• Social media strategy and content development.
• Graphic design and brand consistency.
• Community‑centered storytelling.
• Public relations and media outreach.
• Website content development.
• Email and fundraising communications.
• Event and program promotion.
• Communications analytics and reporting.
• Developing professional portfolio samples.

Supervision and Content Approval

The intern will receive structured assignments, regular supervision, constructive feedback, and opportunities to develop professional work samples. All public communications must receive approval from an authorized StrongSteps representative before publication. The intern will not independently respond to crisis messages, provide behavioral health advice, disclose confidential information, interview program participants without authorization, or speak publicly on behalf of StrongSteps without approval and appropriate supervision.

StrongSteps Behavioral Health Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment. Qualified applicants are considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.