Nonprofit
Published 2/27/26 12:01PM

Digital Communications Intern

On-site, Work must be performed in or near Alexandria, VA
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  • Details

    Start Date:
    May 18, 2026
    End Date:
    July 31, 2026
    Application Deadline:
    April 28, 2026
    Payment:
    Hourly
    Hours Per Week:
    Max 25 hours/ week

    Description

    About the Organization

    The Salvation Army is an international movement and an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its mission is to meet human needs without discrimination. National Headquarters (NHQ) supports the work of The Salvation Army across the United States and internationally by providing leadership, resources, and strategic support to territorial and local operations.

    Internship Overview

    The Internship program provides an opportunity for a student or recent graduate to gain hands‑on professional experience while supporting the work of The Salvation Army. This internship is designed to offer meaningful exposure to nonprofit operations, project‑based work, and professional development in a mission‑driven organization.

    The intern will work closely with staff members and may contribute to research, analysis, administrative support, program development, and special projects, depending on departmental needs and the intern’s interests.

    Key Responsibilities

    Uses all forms of communication (print, electronic, photo and video) to aid the national communications team to effectively communicate the mission of The Salvation Army internally and externally, and to achieve the three digital communications objectives of The Salvation Army national headquarters: increase fundraising, build and protect The Salvation Army’s brand, and meet human needs.

    Assists in the planning, development, and implementation of the digital strategy, including Moments in Time, the national Red Kettle Campaign, and any public policy, emergency disaster service, or other national public relations or communications efforts, and subsequent content that will appear on the national website and social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

    Works directly with the NCRD communications team and the Agency Of Record (AOR) to coordinate content creation and scheduling, and to ensure all digital content meets the digital communications objectives of The Salvation Army National Headquarters.

    Assists in the creation of all content and digital assets for national website and social media pages, including written content for the national blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, to accomplish the digital communications goals of National Headquarters.

    Works with Salvation Army communications professionals in the field to coordinate these efforts with appropriate local teams.

    Engages with online audiences via social media platforms to increase fundraising, build and protect the reputation of The Salvation Army, and meet human needs.

    Works with the communications team to identify new strategies to increase digital audience engagement and build digital brand advocates.

    Assists the Communications Manager in monitoring and measuring The Salvation Army’s social media presence and audience engagement, analyzes content trends and relevant issues, and plans future content accordingly.

    Actively engages with journalists, policy makers, social media influencers, and organizational peers to build brand recognition on social media and increase thought leadership.

    Maintains consistent strategy and implementation of peer-to-peer fundraising opportunities on social media, and coordinates these efforts with the NCRD digital fundraising team, NCRD communications team, and AOR.

    Assists with coordinating and conducting appropriate research, composing, proofreading and editing original, journalistic quality feature stories covering Salvation Army services and/or human-interest topics for regular updates on the NHQ national newsroom, and provides appropriate content for use as syndicated material for the field

    Composes, prepares, types, proofreads, and/or edits a wide variety of written communications including that of a confidential nature; ensures the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the same, including meeting tight deadlines.

    Follows organizational style guide on all materials and communications

    Works with the Communications Manager to research, compile, summarize information, and develop reports and correspondence for routine and special projects resulting from public inquiries, NHQ and Territorial needs, and NCRD assigned writing assignments.

    Assists as assigned in the maintenance and content enrichment of the Red Shield Tool Kit.

    Learning Opportunities

    This internship is intended to be a learning experience. The intern will:

    • Gain exposure to nonprofit and/or faith‑based organizational operations
    • Develop professional skills such as communication, research, time management, and collaboration
    • Work under the guidance of experienced professionals
    • Establish learning goals at the start of the internship and receive feedback throughout the summer

    Qualifications

    Required:

    • Preferred applicants should be enrolled in a Communications, Public Relations Bachelor’s, or similar program, and eligible for college credit. Recent graduates are also eligible.
    • A valid driver’s license

    Preferred:

    • Excellent journalistic quality research and writing talent, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, proofreading and editing skills
    • Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office365 (primarily Word and PowerPoint), Photoshop, and Content Management Systems
    • A working knowledge of print, electronic and web publishing procedures
    • Knowledge and proficiency in online communications, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube

    Time Commitment

    • Internship Dates: May 18, 2026 – July 31, 2026
    • Hours: Up to 25 hours per week
    • Duration: Summer 2026

    How to Apply

    Please submit the following:

    • Resume

    Location

    On-site
    Alexandria, VA, USA

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