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Virginia Supportive Housing: Public Relations Internship

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Description of Organization

Founded in 1988, Virginia Supportive Housing (VSH) transforms lives & communities by providing permanent solutions to homelessness. VSH is the only not-for-profit organization in Central Virginia that provides permanent rental housing integrated with appropriate levels of support services to very low-income homeless individuals and families and those with disabilities. 90% of the people the organization serves do not return to homelessness.

General Intern Responsibilities:

Newsletters:

  • Maintain distribution list for quarterly printed newsletter
  • Manage production calendar for printed newsletter (collect feature items, compose and edit content, determine priority & placement of items, collect accompanying photos, communicate with graphic design agency, circulate drafts, etc)
  • Maintain distribution list for monthly e-newsletter
  • Manage production calendar for e-newsletter (collect feature items, compose and edit content, determine priority & placement of items, collect accompanying photos, communicate with graphic design agency, circulate drafts, etc)
  • Interview clients and draft Stories of Hope plus accompanying photos (obtain privacy releases)

Web site/Blog/Social Media:

  • Manage production calendar for weekly blog postings (send reminders to assigned staff person, collect and edit drafts, upload postings, insert appropriate links & tags, etc)
  • Create an archive of blog templates Update & monitor VSH Facebook page
  • Update web site as needed

Press Releases:

  • Compose, edit, and finalize press releases
  • Create an archive of press release templates
  • Other duties as assigned

Intern Qualifications

  • Senior preferred, but Juniors will also be considered
  • Major in Mass Communications/Marketing/PR
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Experience with all standard Office programs (Word, Excel, etc)
  • Experience with use of photography in communication vehicles
  • Experience designing & compiling newsletters
  • Knowledge of social media
  • Knowledge of Constant Contact a plus
  • Experience with HTML a plus
  • Proactive/self-starter
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
  • Strong motivation to work in the non-profit sector
  • Awareness of issues concerning homelessness a plus
  • Preference will be given to candidates who own a vehicle*

*Some travel to VSH properties and programs in Richmond, Petersburg, and South Hampton Roads (with VSH or without staff) may be necessary. Mileage will be reimbursed.

Additional Information:

  • This internship is available during both the spring & fall semesters as well as during the summer.
  • The minimum time commitment is 16-20 hours per week (4 hours per day x 4 or 5 days per week).
  • The maximum commitment is 40 hours per week (summer semester only).
  • This internship is an unpaid opportunity that meets all academic requirements for the MASC 493 Fieldwork Internship.

Location:

The main headquarters of Virginia Supportive Housing is located at 1010 N. Thompson Street in the fan, approximately three miles from the VCU campus.

Contact:

Interested individuals should direct requests for more information, internship applications, and deadlines to:

Alison Jones-Nassar, Volunteer & Internship Program Coordinator
Virginia Supportive Housing
1010 N. Thompson St.
Richmond VA

Phone: 804-836-1061
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.virginiasupportivehousing.org

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