Communications and Marketing Intern

The Church of St. Peter in Forest Lake, MN is currently seeking a Communications and Marketing Intern.  The focus of this role is to partner with our Communications and Marketing Coordinator to effectively manage and enhance the communication and marketing efforts of the Parish, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of information through various channels such as the weekly bulletin, electronic communications, social media, and the Parish website.  Additionally, the role will assist in organizing and marketing key events to foster community engagement and supports parish ministries to further the mission of the Parish.

This is a part time 10-20 hour per week, non-exempt position. The duration of this internship role is from June 1, 2026 - December 18, 2026.  Due to the nature of the position and to get the most of the internship experience, this role is 100% in office.  In addition, the Church and School of St Peter policy provides sick and safe time leave for this role.  

Employment in and by the Church is substantially different from secular employment.  Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner, which is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church.  Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the Archdiocese, such that it can embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal.  This position does not require that an employee be an active participating Catholic, however it is expected that the employee will have an understanding of the rich tradition and doctrine of the Church and will uphold and enforce the teachings of the Church.

The responsibilities listed below are representative of the job and are not inclusive.

Job Specific Responsibilities include the following:

PARISH COMMUNICATIONS

Weekly Parish Bulletin:

• Facilitate and manage bulletin marketing requests from key stakeholders.
• Assist with the weekly bulletin theme/design using Adobe InDesign.
• Compile, layout and edit bulletin information and images.
• Proofread for accuracy.
• Upload publication for printing and oversee timely bulletin shipping.
• Oversee the printing and insertion of bulletin inserts.
• Coordinate and make timely, pertinent copy/cover changes with Liturgical Publications.

Electronic Communications:

• Assist with writing, editing, and publishing the weekly Flocknote publication, ensuring it is in sync with major events and bulletin announcements.
• Manage the Flocknote database, and collaborate with staff as the subject matter expert with this tool.
• Respond to parishioner requests and questions surrounding the Flocknote tool.
• Develop and maintain social media avenues such as Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and You Tube.
• Create and distribute special email marketing materials and announcements as required.
• Update the Parish kiosks when possible/as appropriate, minimally on a weekly basis.
• Update Parish outdoor e-signage as appropriate.

Website Administration:

• Assist with the on-going development of the Parish website.
• Complete all software updates to Parish website in a timely manner.
• Execute weekly updates of published event schedules, Parish bulletins, Parish Council and Finance Council minutes and other information as request by directors, principal, and pastor.
• Incorporate important Archdiocesan events and information as appropriate.
• Manage and respond to new parishioner signup forms from the website, communicate with appropriate internal staff to ensure they are added to the parishioner database, and welcome new parishioners to the community.
• Add links to other sites as appropriate.
• Keep website information current, relevant, and user-friendly.

MARKETING ACTIVITIES

Special Event Marketing:

• Assist with creating and implementing marketing plans for major parish events such as the Fall Festival, Adult Retreats, and Youth Faith Formation.
• Set up and manage electronic giving pages and QR codes, and coordinate funds application with the accounting team.
• Assist with securing Fall Festival sponsorships and donations of money and prizes for the Parish annual fundraiser.
• Create signage and recognition of special event donors before, during and after Parish special events.
• Assist department heads with the marketing of their activities.
• Partner with the People Coordinator on marketing and recruiting of volunteer roles.
• Facilitate updates to all Parish bulletin boards, working with all ministries and groups to ensure the materials stay current, timely and accurate.

 ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

 Operating Activities:

• Provide administrative support to the Business Administrator with special project requests.
• Assist the Business Administrator and People Coordinator with Fish Fry and Fall Festival activities.
• Work with other parish office staff members to assist parish members with questions and requests.
• Assist with mailings and activities as needed.
• Attend all required meetings.
• Work cooperatively with other staff members and departments to ensure the effective accomplishment of the mission of the Parish.
• Other duties as necessary and assigned by the Business Administrator

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Skills and Experience

• This position is open to those pursuing a 4-year degree in English, Marketing or Communications.   
• Near-graduate or soon-to-be graduate upperclassman encouraged to apply for this internship. 
• Must have graphic art skills, some knowledge of copyright laws helpful
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe InDesign required
• Experience in Flocknote, Canva, Photoshop 
• Previous website design experience preferred
• Exceptional written, oral and editing skills
• Strong command of grammar and the English language
• Must have good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to relate and communicate effectively with parishioners and staff members

Mental Demands

• Must be able to work independently, meet deadlines and have good organizational skills
• Must be responsible in carrying out high quality and accurate work
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Must be comfortable with proactively marketing parish activities with local area businesses and neighbors
• Must be able to work collaboratively and communicate appropriately with staff, volunteers and the general community through written and verbal communication methods.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work 10 -20 hours per week in the office, depending on Parish events and activities.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Must be able to keyboard.