Communications Intern

Communications Intern

Location: Richmond, VA
Position Type: Part-Time Internship (5–15 hours per week)
Compensation: $15 per hour
Duration: Spring 2026
Application Deadline: Friday, January 23, 2026

About Virginia Interfaith Power & Light (VAIPL)

Virginia Interfaith Power & Light (VAIPL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the Virginia affiliate of the national Interfaith Power & Light network. We unite diverse faith communities to mobilize a moral and religious response to climate change through energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy.

Our mission is to collaborate with people of faith and conscience to build healthy communities by advancing climate and environmental justice. We envision a world that overcomes the climate crisis, eradicates environmental and social injustices, and thrives in equity and sustainability.

Internship Overview

As a Communications Intern, you will work closely with faith communities, advocates, volunteers, and organizers to support campaigns that protect Virginia’s environment. You will gain hands-on experience in communications, organizing, and advocacy while learning about environmental justice issues.

Sample Responsibilities:

• Content Creation: Draft and edit communications materials, including social media posts, email newsletters, flyers, printed materials, and educational content.
• Media and Public Relations: Assist in building relationships with journalists and news organizations. Research and gather press contacts. Draft press releases, op-eds, and letters to the editor
• Social Media Management: Assist with planning, creating, and scheduling content across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.), monitor engagement, and compile analytics reports.
• Storytelling & Outreach: Collect and develop compelling stories that showcase VAIPL’s impact and the communities we serve.
• Event Support: Provide communications and logistical assistance for events, campaigns, and fundraising activities.
• Research & Analytics: Conduct research to inform communication strategies and evaluate effectiveness.
• Graphic Design: Create static and dynamic visual assets, presentations, flyers, and videos, using tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and CapCut. 

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree in Communications, Political Science, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent attention to detail and proofreading ability.
• Familiarity with major social media platforms.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Passion for environmental and climate justice.
• Experience with graphic design or video editing tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, CapCut) is a plus.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical experience in diverse communication functions within a mission-driven organization.
• Mentorship from professionals in social impact and communications roles.
• Opportunities to build a professional portfolio with publishable content.
• Networking with staff, partners, and community leaders.

How to Apply

Submit your resume, a cover letter explaining your interest in VAIPL’s mission and this position, one relevant writing sample, and any samples of graphics or visual assets you have made to shockaday@vaipl.org by January 23, 2026.

VAIPL is an inclusive, multicultural organization that celebrates diversity in all its dimensions, including race, religion, socio-economic status, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and political beliefs.