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.
We are seeking a creative, dependable, and mission-driven Marketing & Communications Intern to help StrongSteps communicate its work to community members, donors, volunteers, families, and organizational partners. This internship provides practical experience in nonprofit marketing, social media, storytelling, public relations, content development, and community engagement.
The selected intern will help promote StrongSteps and programs such as Holiday for Hope, Hope in Every Book, community mental wellness workshops, peer-support initiatives, fundraising campaigns, and special events.
Responsibilities
The Marketing & Communications Intern will:
Help develop written and visual content for StrongSteps’ social media accounts, website, email communications, fundraising campaigns, and community outreach.
Draft social media captions, program announcements, event promotions, volunteer opportunities, donor acknowledgments, and community updates.
Create professional graphics, flyers, event materials, digital advertisements, and campaign content using Canva or similar design platforms.
Assist with maintaining an organized social media and communications calendar.
Help schedule approved social media content and monitor basic engagement results.
Review website pages and help identify outdated information, broken links, unclear language, and opportunities to improve the visitor experience.
Assist with developing content for StrongSteps programs and fundraising initiatives.
Help collect approved stories, photographs, program highlights, and impact information.
Assist with press releases, media notices, community calendar submissions, and outreach to local news organizations.
Help maintain consistent use of StrongSteps’ logos, colors, tone, and organizational messaging.
Support promotional activities for fundraising events, workshops, literacy initiatives, and community programs.
Research communication trends, relevant awareness campaigns, community events, and appropriate 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 updates on assigned projects.
Complete other communications and marketing projects based on the intern’s interests and StrongSteps’ current needs.
Essential Skills
Strong written communication, grammar, and proofreading skills.
Creativity and an 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.
Ability to manage assignments and meet agreed-upon deadlines.
Strong organization and attention to detail.
Ability to accept feedback and revise content as requested.
Ability to work independently while remaining in regular communication with a supervisor.
Commitment to protecting confidential information and respecting the privacy of program participants.
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.
Ability to communicate professionally and 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, including readable graphics, captions, alternative text, and clear document structure.
Familiarity with communities in Broome County or the greater Southern Tier region.
A portfolio or examples of writing, design, social media, photography, or video work are welcomed but not required.
Learning Opportunities
Through this internship, the selected candidate may gain experience in:
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.