Communications & Community Engagement Intern

Communications & Community Engagement Intern

Spotsylvania Education Foundation (SEF)
Location: Remote - Spotsylvania, Virginia
Compensation: $20 per hour
Schedule: Approximately 10–15 hours per week
Internship Dates: January 5–June 1, 2027 (start date negotiable)
Application Review: Rolling until filled

IMPORTANT – Virginia Student Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

-Currently enrolled at a Virginia college or university or planning to enroll at a Virginia institution in the upcoming semester.

-Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent.

-Have not yet completed an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree.

Eligibility is based on enrollment at a Virginia institution, not the applicant's state of residence. Students attending institutions outside Virginia are not eligible.

About the Spotsylvania Education Foundation

The Spotsylvania Education Foundation (SEF) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality and impact of student learning experiences in Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS).

Working in partnership with educators, businesses, and community members, SEF supports classroom and school activity grants, educator professional development, student scholarships, recognition initiatives, and other programs that strengthen public education.

Position Overview

SEF is seeking a creative, organized, and motivated college student with demonstrated experience creating social media content to serve as our Communications & Community Engagement Intern.

This paid internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit communications, storytelling, digital engagement, fundraising support, and program administration. The intern will work closely with the Executive Director to communicate SEF's impact, strengthen relationships with educators and community partners, and support the Foundation's programs and activities.

The position is fully remote, with a flexible schedule designed to accommodate academic commitments. Optional opportunities to attend meetings, school visits, presentations, and community events in the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania area may be available.

Key Responsibilities

Communications and Outreach

Create, schedule, and monitor engaging content for SEF's Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts.

Develop written stories, captions, announcements, and other communications highlighting educators, students, grants, donors, community partners, and Foundation activities.

Design graphics, flyers, promotional materials, and digital content using Canva or similar tools.

Develop e-newsletters and targeted email communications for educators, supporters, and community audiences.

Update SEF's WordPress website, including program information, announcements, and event content.

Monitor social media engagement and help evaluate communications effectiveness.

Identify creative opportunities to expand SEF's visibility and community engagement.

Program and Administrative Support

Support communications and outreach for educator grants, employee giving initiatives, recognition programs, fundraising activities, and community events.

Assist with educator grant administration, including organizing applications, monitoring deadlines, and gathering project highlights for communications.

Assist with donor acknowledgments and partner communications.

Support event and volunteer coordination, including registration, communications, promotional materials, and follow-up.

Gather photographs, stories, and other content demonstrating the impact of SEF-supported programs.

Required Qualifications

Demonstrated experience creating social media content for an organization, business, school, student organization, or community group.

Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to develop engaging content for different audiences.

Familiarity with major social media platforms, particularly Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage assignments independently.

Ability to work effectively in a remote environment, communicate regularly, and meet deadlines.

Access to a reliable computer and internet connection.

Interest in education, nonprofit organizations, community engagement, or public service.

Currently enrolled at a Virginia higher-education institution or intending to enroll next semester; must have a high school diploma and not yet have completed an undergraduate degree.

Preferred Qualifications

Coursework in communications, public relations, English, graphic design, nonprofit management, business, or a related field.

Experience using Canva or similar graphic design tools.

Experience scheduling and publishing social media content and monitoring engagement.

Familiarity with WordPress, email marketing platforms, or CRM systems.

Basic photography, video editing, or digital storytelling skills.

What You'll Gain

Practical experience creating published communications for a nonprofit organization.

Opportunities to develop a professional portfolio of social media, writing, graphic design, and digital communications work.

Experience supporting educational grant programs, donor engagement, and community partnerships.

Direct collaboration and mentoring with SEF's Executive Director.

Flexible, paid work that complements academic studies.

Schedule and Compensation

This is a paid, part-time internship at $20 per hour. Weekly hours may vary between approximately 10 and 15 based on project needs and the intern's academic schedule.

The anticipated internship period is January 5 through June 1, 2027. Some flexibility may be available.

The position may be performed fully remotely. Participation in local meetings and events is optional.

How to Apply

Please submit:

Resume highlighting education, relevant experience, and skills.

Brief cover letter describing your interest in SEF, relevant experience, and what you hope to gain from the internship.

Two to three examples of social media posts you personally created for an organization, business, school, student organization, or community group. Whenever possible, provide links to published posts and briefly explain your role in developing the content (writing, graphic design, photography, scheduling, or publishing). Screenshots or portfolio links are acceptable when published posts are not publicly accessible.

Previous professional employment is not required. Relevant experience through student organizations, volunteer activities, internships, and community projects is welcome.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may begin before the posting closes. The position will remain open until filled.

Please submit applications through Handshake or directly to the email below.

Contact: Angie Sullivan, Executive Director
Email: info@sef4education.org

Spotsylvania Education Foundation is a proud participant in the InternshipsVA program. #InVA