Communications Intern

IMPORTANT!!

This internship is part of the 2024 Humanities for Life (HFL) Summer Internship Program. This premier opportunity allows UR students to access traditionally unpaid opportunities that highlight the value of the humanities in the workplace. If selected, students will receive a $5,000 stipend over a minimum 270-hour period in a non-for-profit organization in the Rochester, NY region. 

To learn more and view additional HFL internships, visit: https://careereducation.rochester.edu/experiences/humanities-for-life-internship-program/

Communications interns will assist Cracker Box Palace’s Administration, including Farm Director, Board of Directors, Executive Committee and other committees carry out the mission of the organization by developing and maintaining the infrastructure of CBP’s communication responsibilities, while maintaining a practical knowledge of CBP’s procedures, services and policies.  

Experience working with and specific knowledge of communications and creative writing is required. High school diploma or its equivalent is required, postsecondary training in communications or creative writing preferred. 

When working remotely, communications interns must maintain a transparent and concise strategy, ensure maximized output, and set smart, attainable goals with assistance from Farm Director and Board of Directors. 

Areas of Communication and Marketing Internship Duties- 

Communication: 

• Maintaining appropriate communication and departmental goals and guidelines 
• Assist with day-to-day communications. 
• Assist with marketing/promotional communications and materials: create email blasts, event landing pages, graphics, and flyers.  
• Assist with CBP’s Social Media strategy and online presence (create posts, events, etc.) including monitoring messages and comments. 
• Work with programs such as, but not limited to Facebook, Constant Contact, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, Youtube, Wix, Canva, Microsoft, DonorPerfect.  
• Work with web designers to maintain CBP’s website (updates, events, etc.). 
• Help monitor the office area to make sure it is well-maintained and secure. 

Development: 

• Assist with development effort, including working with the development director. 
• Assist with CBP’s fundraising, event planning and marketing. 
• Assist in maintaining CBP’s Donor communication, including hard mailing and email lists. 
• Provide content and proofing of quarterly newsletters, appeals and E-newsletters. 

Staffing: 

• Support Farm Director and Board of Directors in successfully and efficiently communicating content about the organization, programs, initiatives, etc. 
• Support CBP’s bookkeeper with thank you letters and donor communications.. 
• Work with Animal Care Specialists and Veterinarian Technicians to develop farm animal content, social media, e-blasts, etc. 
• Work with Facilities Maintenance Technicians to develop conservation, horticulture and agriculture content, social media, e-blasts, etc. 
• Work with the historic committee to develop historical content, social media, e-blasts, etc. 
• Interact with all other support staff and volunteers for the same purposes above.  

Committees: 

• Provide support to all committees in the organizational chart for CBP, if applicable. 
• Assist with committee communications, planning, and marketing. 

Compliance: 

• Be aware of any documents necessary to ensure compliance with the regulations of CBP, including environmental, security, and health standards (NYSDAM, USDA, OSHA, DEC, NYS SOHP, etc). 
• Be trained in the “Right to Know” OSHA requirements and follow all health/ safety/environmental emergency procedures. 
• Know the location of all SDSs, accident and injury log, self aid kit and emergency phone numbers. 

 Environmental Working Conditions – 

• Noise exposure from machinery and some farm animals. 
• Danger of being bitten, scratched, stepped on, etc. (normal dangers of working with farm animals). 
• Exposure to various risks including but not limited to; drugs and chemicals under OSHA, cruelty cases, rabies and euthanasia drugs as well as compassion fatigue. 

Interpersonal Communication- 

• Provide educated responses to the public’s questions. 
• Occasionally oversee volunteers and service providers in performing the requirements of the position. 
• Interact with volunteers and visitors in a respectful and pleasant manner. 
• Assist service providers, such as program specialists, development directors, etc to the best of your ability to provide gold standard functions that support our farm animals and operations. 
• Participate in CBP functions like open houses, community efforts, special events or school/organization tours to broaden your knowledge of the organization for marketing, communications and social media content. 

Other Responsibilities – 

• Police the building and grounds automatically as you walk through, notify management of any damage or necessary repairs, be always observant of client satisfaction needs, report any client concerns to management immediately. 
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with the company's policies and applicable state and federal laws. Observe all safety rules and regulations for self and others 
• Other relevant communication, marketing or social media duties 

Essential Job Functions Basics- 

• Bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, standing/walking or sitting up to 8 hours a day, typing, writing, balancing, twisting, squatting and rotating throughout the day. 
• Ability to maintain an alertness level to keep safe from possible danger, resilience after disappointment or constructive feedback, compassion, to follow the ethical guidelines of your profession and this organization, powers of keen observation for accounting, excellent reading/ comprehension/ legible writing skills, ability to negotiate with difficult people and problem solve and the ability to make rational and effective decisions. 

The expected manner of every internship is to maintain a professional demeanor at all times, use appropriate terminology and support CBP’s Farm Director and fellow staff members at all times. 

**This Is By No Means A Complete List. Some Tasks May Be Assigned To A Specific Intern Or Department To Complete. Some Tasks May Be Added Or Removed. Procedures And Policies May Change.**