Communications & Outreach Intern

The Communications & Outreach Intern supports a proactive and equitable communications and outreach strategy that advances Region IV Area Agency on Aging's mission of Offering Choices for Independent Lives. The intern assists with efforts to inform, engage, listen to, learn from, and inspire action among diverse audiences throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

Through supervised, hands-on projects and professional mentorship, the intern gains practical experience in nonprofit communications, public relations, storytelling, community engagement, digital marketing, event support, and performance measurement while contributing to meaningful work that supports older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and community partners.

This internship is structured to provide meaningful experiential learning and professional development. Assigned work will complement, rather than assume, the ongoing responsibilities of regular staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Communications & Content Development

• Supports the Agency's communications planning, messaging, and public relations activities.
• Assists with writing, designing, editing, and distributing news releases, brochures, newsletters, publications, advocacy materials, website content, and other informational resources.
• Drafts content for supervisory review and approval before publication or distribution.
• Helps schedule, organize, and maintain content across the Agency's social media platforms.
• Supports agency storytelling through writing, graphic design, photography, videography, and other creative formats.
• Assists with gathering stories, photos, and other content in accordance with agency confidentiality, consent, and media release requirements.

Outreach & Community Engagement

• Supports Region IV AAA staff at community outreach, educational, and stakeholder engagement events.
• Assists with preparing outreach materials, displays, presentations, and event logistics.
• Engages professionally with community members, partners, and stakeholders while representing the Agency's mission and values.
• Assists with routine outreach inquiries and promptly directs service requests, media inquiries, and sensitive matters to appropriate staff.

Digital Engagement & Analytics

• Tracks digital engagement measures and assists with evaluating content performance.
• Helps identify effective communication approaches and opportunities to strengthen audience reach and engagement.
• Assists with organizing communication assets, files, and project documentation.

Professional Learning & Project Work

• Participates in orientation, training, and ongoing supervision.
• Works with the supervisor to establish learning objectives, project goals, and expected deliverables.
• Completes at least one defined communications or outreach project and presents outcomes or key learning at the conclusion of the placement.
• Participates in regular check-ins, feedback discussions, and evaluation activities.

Other Responsibilities

• Follows agency policies and procedures related to confidentiality, accessibility, privacy, records management, brand standards, and professional conduct.
• Performs other related duties that are consistent with the purpose and learning objectives of the internship.

Learning Opportunities

• Nonprofit communications and public relations
• Digital marketing and social media management
• Graphic design and visual communications
• Photography and videography
• Website content development
• Community outreach and engagement
• Storytelling and impact reporting
• Event planning and support
• Audience analytics and performance measurement
• Professional collaboration in a mission-driven organization

Required Qualifications

• Current enrollment in, recent completion of, or demonstrated pursuit of education, training, or career development related to communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, digital media, graphic design, community engagement, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to work independently within assigned responsibilities and contribute as a collaborative team member.
• Professional demeanor and commitment to responsive, respectful service.
• Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and adapt to new challenges.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and common digital communication tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with social media platforms or content management.
• Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, photography, videography, or similar creative tools.
• Experience creating content through employment, coursework, student organizations, volunteer activities, or personal projects.
• Interest in aging, disability, community health, human services, advocacy, or nonprofit work.
• Familiarity with plain language, accessibility, and inclusive communication practices.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in office, community, and event settings. Duties may include prolonged computer use, attendance at meetings and community events, and occasional transport of outreach materials.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Region IV Area Agency on Aging is committed to creating an inclusive environment for employees, volunteers, interns, and program participants. The Agency provides equal opportunity in employment practices and internship opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.