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Communications and Social Media Internship

Empower WNY
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EMPOWER – Potential Internship Outline: Communications & Social Media

 

Overview

This internship would be designed for individuals interested in developing hands-on experience in communications, social media management, and website updating within the environment of a human service non-profit organization . The non-profit empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families through direct hands-on support, advocacy, education and community inclusion.  The intern would ensure engagement with stakeholders (especially families and employees), and timely dissemination of relevant news. The position involves coordination across departments and collaboration with consultants, staff, and community stakeholders.

Desired Outcomes

  • Strengthen community and family engagement through effective messaging. Increased visibility of quality care, community inclusion and recreational efforts to all stakeholders, helping to highlight improvements being made.
  • Support organizational transparency by keeping employees and stakeholders informed. Improved access, frequency and transparency of information for people with disabilities and their families. 
  • Enhanced communication across all levels of the organization. Promoting transformative culture shift and keeping quality service vision and goals in front of workforce.
  • Strengthened relationships between staff, families, community and board members.

Key Responsibilities

1. Digital and Print Newsletter Production

  • Create and curate content for a monthly newsletter targeting families, advocates, and board members.
  • Collect stories, testimonials, and photos that capture the organization’s impact and showcase individual achievements.
  • Draft articles on upcoming events, advocacy opportunities, legislative updates, and resources for families.
  • Design digital and print layouts, ensuring accessibility and clarity.
  • Coordinate production and distribution via email, T-Logs, Splash messages, website, and printed copies for those without digital access.

2. Monthly Announcements and Updates for Employees

  • Research, draft, and distribute monthly announcements regarding organizational news, policy changes, upcoming events & trainings, and relevant external developments affecting employees.
  • Coordinate with department heads to gather information on projects, recognitions, and important milestones.
  • Utilize internal communication channels (e.g., Therap EHR, Litmos LMS, email blasts, intranet, bulletin boards) to ensure all staff remain well-informed.
  • Monitor feedback and adjust content to match employee interests and needs. 

3. Social Media Management

  • Maintain and update the organization’s social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.).
  • Develop a content calendar aligned with organizational goals and key events. Establish an annual calendar and schedule posts to average 3/week.
  • Highlight stories, share resources, and promote advocacy initiatives.
  • Respond to comments, messages, and engage with followers to foster a positive online community.
  • Monitor analytics and adjust strategy to increase reach and impact to families and local community.

4. Website Updating

  • Update the organization’s website content regularly, including news, events, program pages, and resources.
  • Ensure website accessibility standards are met for people with disabilities.
  • Collaborate with IT or web development staff as needed for technical updates and troubleshooting.
  • Post blog articles, spotlight features, and multimedia content relevant to IDD advocacy and family support.

5. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

  • Work with program staff to gather information and highlight successes.
  • Coordinate with fundraising and management teams to promote campaigns and events.
  • Attend select staff meetings to identify communication needs and opportunities.
  • Assist with special projects, such as technology platform implementation, recruitment initiatives, advocacy days, or volunteer recruitment drives.

Sample Monthly Workflow

  • Week 1: Collect news items, staff updates, and stories from consultants and department heads. Begin drafting announcements and newsletter articles.
  • Week 2: Edit and finalize content for internal announcements and newsletter. Schedule social media posts and website updates.
  • Week 3: Design digital and print newsletter layouts. Distribute drafts for feedback from consultants, HR and department heads.
  • Week 4: Publish and distribute monthly announcements and newsletter. Monitor engagement, gather feedback, and prepare analytics reports.

Reporting Relationship

  • Would report to Human Resources, receiving guidance, feedback, and support from HR professionals and administrative consultants. The HR department in conjunction with administrative consultants would collaborate to ensure that all messaging aligns with organizational values and legal requirements. 

Skills and Qualifications

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to initiate creatively with management team.
  • Proficiency in social media platforms and basic graphic design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.).
  • Experience with website content management systems (WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, etc.) would be preferred.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
  • Commitment to inclusivity and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ability to follow guidance on best practices for disability-friendly messaging and layouts, ensuring that information is appropriate for release, understandable and engaging for all audiences.
  • Attention to detail and willingness to learn new skills. 

August, 2025