Strategic Communications (NCRD Intern)

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.

JOB SUMMARY

The Strategic Communications Intern (SCI) will help develop and implement the executive and strategic communications efforts of The Salvation Army National Headquarters and assist with the creation and appropriate distribution of internal and external communications initiatives for National Headquarters.

Uses all forms of communication to effectively communicate the mission of The Salvation Army internally and externally. Works specifically to strengthen and enhance the image and awareness of The Salvation Army; supports the executive leadership team through communications strategies and material development, works with national agency of record to develop and implement national communications efforts; seeks and identifies compelling stories and coordinates the writing of fresh content for national distribution; supports the communications team during emergency response situations involving National Headquarters, Territorial and Divisional headquarters and other emergency responder agencies as may be involved; assists in the further development of the Red Shield Toolkit.

Key Responsibilities

• Aids the national communications team to effectively communicate the mission of The Salvation Army internally and externally, to build and protect The Salvation Army’s brand, to support national leadership and the office of the National Commander, and to meet human needs.
• Assists in the development and implementation of the national communications 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 and storytelling opportunities, including earned media, owned digital content, and shared content with Salvation Army teams around the country.
• Assists in the creation of 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, support national leadership, and meet human needs.
• Works with the communications team to identify new strategies to increase audience engagement and build digital brand advocates.
• 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.
• Researches, compiles, summarizes information, and develops 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.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures all files are maintained in an organized and efficient manner.
• Performs other related work as required and assigned by the Director of Communications or National CRD Secretary (Director).
• Must demonstrate dependability through attendance and punctuality.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

• Computer and Printer
• Photocopy Machine
• Scanner
• Digital Photo Camera
• Cell Phone

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• 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.
• Ability to learn and retain the broad scope of all NHQ section operations and services in order to serve as an effective information resource and to aid in a timely and effective manner.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently work on multiple projects at the same time without becoming frustrated or disorganized.
• Ability to gather, compile, and assemble information into a final professional appearance product for letters, records, reports, etc.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work in order to accomplish work in compliance with quality standards and deadlines.
• Ability to determine the most effective and efficient method to accomplish work objectives and goals and to work under minimal supervision.
• Ability to build and maintain effective and professional relationships with officers and employees at National Headquarters and throughout the territories.
• Ability to maintain the confidential nature of the department.