Public Relations Intern (AmeriCorps)

Help increase public awareness of one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier AmeriCorps programs; outreach, social media, event promotion, alumni relations & more. Creativity & writing ability are a must!

The NWSA Public Relations Intern will focus on increasing public awareness of NWSA and its programs, expanding our alumni relations program, and providing outreach and recruitment in an effort to increase community volunteer opportunities with our members’ projects. The Public Relations Intern will work with NWSA staff to identify and address outreach goals and needs. S/he will have the opportunity to work on a variety of diverse projects including media relations, newsletters, alumni outreach, website development, creating/maintaining blogs and social networking sites, promotion of service events, etc.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

1. Assist in the development and maintenance of blog, website, and social networking media in an effort to highlight our program to a broad audience including project sponsors, alumni, legislators, other AmeriCorps programs, media contacts, etc.

2. Assist in the development and implementation of our emerging alumni relations program.

3. Create and distribute an average of one press release per week. Press releases will primarily focus on highlighting volunteer opportunities with NWSA partner sites, NWSA AmeriCorps members & their projects and “Where are they now?” NWSA Alumni stories. This may include traveling overnight to project sites, email and over-the-phone interviews, and serving alongside members.

4. Work with NWSA staff and members to promote NWSA and other community events including Make a Difference Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Earth Day, etc.

5. Schedule, coordinate and support media visits to NWSA projects throughout Oregon and Washington.

6. Assist staff with the development of other outreach materials as needed and time allows.

7. Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.

8. Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, program meetings and national service days.

9. Wear a NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Requirements:

1. Possession of a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

2. Previous public relations or journalism experience.

3. Ability to travel to and work on projects in all types of weather.

4. Capable of handling physical nature of the projects, from lifting up to 50 pounds to working on your feet for 8+ hours a day.

5. LINKS applicants must be 17 years of age or older, at the time of enrollment in the program.

6. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.

7. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.

8. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.

9. Submit to a criminal history background check and National Sex Offender Registry search.

10. Regular and reliable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. We are looking for a dedicated self-starter with excellent communication, writing, and photography skills to fill this position.

2. An interest in the environment, service, community, education, outdoor recreation, resource management.

3. Skills and experience working with current graphic design software.

Member Benefits Include:

·         A taxable living allowance of $11,400 divided into monthly increments.

·         Upon successful completion of a full term of service, eligible members receive an education award of $4,725. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational, or for trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.

·         Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).

·         Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependants; vision and dental not included).

·         Childcare allowance for those who qualify.

·         An opportunity to be a part of a great organization that is dedicated to improving the environment and the communities we serve.

·         Materials you can highlight in your portfolio!

*College credit may be available. Check with your college or university for details.

How to apply:

Email your résumé and portfolio items including three writing samples, as well as any photography and/or media publications to [email protected]. Please include the position title in the title of your email.

Questions about AmeriCorps, LINKS or our recruitment process? Contact:

Erika Johnson

LINKS p 360) 750-7500 x 114

2500 NE 65th Ave f 360) 360-694-2491

Vancouver, WA 98661 [email protected]