Development and Communications Intern

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Development and Communications Intern

🔹 Company: YouthBuild Philly

🔹 Location: Philadelphia, PA

🔹 Job Type: Internship

🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Education

🔹 Date Posted: May 1, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting strategic capacity-building initiatives across the Development & Communications team
• Gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit communications, event planning, and media engagement
• Contributing to YouthBuild Philadelphia’s mission to provide education, job training, and leadership development to opportunity youth
• Working closely with the Sr. Director of Development to lead or support key projects in the department

ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed to provide a well-rounded experience in nonprofit development and communications, offering a mix of administrative, creative, and strategic tasks.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Supporting communication and marketing efforts by helping write, edit, and format various materials

✅ Contributing to content creation for the organization’s website and ensuring information is up to date

✅ Assisting with donor database management, including data entry, updating records, and generating reports

✅ Supporting the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns and donor appeals

✅ Conducting research on prospective donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors

✅ Assisting in organizing fundraising events, including logistics, outreach, and follow-up

✅ Helping with special projects and other tasks as assigned by the development or communications teams

✅ Maintaining organized files and documentation related to both development and communications work

ASSUMPTION: The intern will be expected to take on increasing responsibility and independence as they gain experience and demonstrate proficiency in their role.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent, current enrollment in an accredited College or University highly preferred

Experience: None specified, but previous experience in communications, marketing, or event planning may be beneficial

Required Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Passion for community service and civic engagement

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with donor databases or customer relationship management (CRM) software
• Graphic design skills using tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience with social media management
• Familiarity with the nonprofit sector

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having some experience or coursework in communications, marketing, or a related field may be helpful for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $400.00 per month stipend or college credit, if applicable. This is an entry-level internship, and the compensation reflects the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the nonprofit sector.

Benefits:

• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Strong community support and involvement
• Practical experience in nonprofit communications through hands-on work with events, outreach, and media engagement

Working Hours: 16-20 hours per week, for 12 weeks

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on typical internship compensation in the nonprofit sector for entry-level positions. The benefits listed are non-monetary, focusing on the experience and personal growth opportunities offered by the internship.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: YouthBuild Philly is a tuition-free, public charter high school focused on supporting youth aged 17-20 who have been pushed out of traditional schools. They provide education, job training, and leadership development to help students achieve post-secondary success.

Company Size: As a charter school, YouthBuild Philly is a relatively small organization, which means interns will have the opportunity to work closely with staff and make a significant impact.

Founded: YouthBuild Philly was founded in 1992, making it an established organization with a long history of serving the Philadelphia community.

Company Description:

• YouthBuild Philly is committed to providing a warm, loving culture that uses various structures to build community, such as a restorative-justice approach to discipline, weekly community meetings, and school-wide service projects.
• The school empowers students to attain their high school diploma and vocational certifications while receiving unconditional support from the staff around them.
• YouthBuild Philly works intentionally to disrupt the cycle of poverty and support students to achieve post-secondary success.

Company Specialties:

• Alternative education for opportunity youth
• Job training and leadership development
• Restorative justice and community-building approaches

Company Website: https://www.youthbuildphilly.org/

ASSUMPTION: YouthBuild Philly is a mission-driven organization focused on supporting underserved youth in the Philadelphia community. Their unique approach to education and community-building sets them apart from traditional schools.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This internship is designed for entry-level candidates, providing an opportunity to gain practical experience in nonprofit development and communications.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to the Sr. Director of Development.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site internship, with a flexible schedule of 16-20 hours per week for 12 weeks.

Growth Opportunities:

• Gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of nonprofit development and communications
• Developing professional skills in communication, event planning, and media engagement
• Building a professional network within the nonprofit sector
• Potential for future employment opportunities, based on performance and organizational needs

ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed to provide a well-rounded experience that will help interns develop both hard and soft skills valuable for future careers in the nonprofit sector or related fields.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: YouthBuild Philly operates out of a single location in Philadelphia, PA.

Office Location(s): 2309 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132

Geographic Context:

• Philadelphia is the sixth-most populous city in the United States, with a diverse population and a rich history.
• The office is located in the North Philadelphia neighborhood, which is home to a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional properties.
• The area is served by public transportation, including SEPTA buses and the Broad Street Line subway.

Work Schedule: The internship is part-time, with a flexible schedule of 16-20 hours per week for 12 weeks.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at YouthBuild Philly is collaborative and supportive, with a strong focus on community engagement and student success.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Submit application through the provided link
• Phone or video screen with the Sr. Director of Development
• In-person or virtual interview with the Sr. Director of Development and other team members
• Background check and reference checks (if applicable)

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Passion for community service and civic engagement
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this internship
• Demonstrate your passion for YouthBuild Philly's mission and commitment to supporting opportunity youth
• Provide examples of your communication, event planning, or media engagement experience, if applicable

ATS Keywords: Nonprofit, Communications, Marketing, Event Planning, Media Engagement, Data Entry, Research, Graphic Design, Fundraising, Community Service, Collaboration, Professional Development

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this internship is straightforward, with a focus on assessing candidates' communication skills, attention to detail, and passion for YouthBuild Philly's mission.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Donor databases or customer relationship management (CRM) software (e.g., Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, or Salesforce)
• Graphic design tools (e.g., Canva or Adobe Creative Suite)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite or Buffer)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this internship are common in the nonprofit sector and can be learned with minimal training.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Respect: YouthBuild Philly values the unique experiences and perspectives of each student and staff member
• Excellence: The organization strives for high-quality programming and continuous improvement
• Perseverance: YouthBuild Philly is committed to supporting students in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals

Work Style:

• Collaborative: The intern will work closely with the Sr. Director of Development and other team members on various projects
• Adaptable: The intern should be able to manage multiple tasks and prioritize their workload effectively
• Detail-oriented: The intern will be responsible for maintaining organized files and documentation, as well as ensuring brand consistency across communication channels

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I share YouthBuild Philly's commitment to supporting opportunity youth and disrupting the cycle of poverty?
• Am I comfortable working in a collaborative and supportive work environment?
• Do I have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to manage multiple tasks?

ASSUMPTION: YouthBuild Philly values interns who are passionate about their mission, committed to their work, and eager to learn and grow in a collaborative environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The internship may require working some evenings or weekends to support fundraising events or other activities
• The intern may need to manage multiple tasks and prioritize their workload effectively
• The internship is part-time, which may limit the opportunity to build a full-time career with YouthBuild Philly immediately
• The intern may need to adapt to working in a small organization with a limited budget and resources

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges of this internship are relatively minor and can be overcome with strong communication, time management, and adaptability skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other internships in the nonprofit sector, this role offers a well-rounded experience in development and communications, with a focus on hands-on learning and practical skills
• YouthBuild Philly's unique approach to education and community-building sets it apart from traditional schools and other nonprofits
• This internship is designed to provide a solid foundation for a career in nonprofit development, communications, or a related field

ASSUMPTION: This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in the nonprofit sector while working with a mission-driven organization focused on supporting underserved youth.

📝 Sample Projects

• Assisting with the planning and execution of a fundraising event, including logistics, outreach, and follow-up
• Conducting research on prospective donors, foundations, or corporate sponsors to identify potential funding opportunities
• Helping to update the organization's website with new content or information, ensuring brand consistency and accuracy

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed are representative of the types of tasks the intern may be responsible for, but the specific projects may vary based on the organization's needs and the intern's skills and interests.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most pressing needs of the Development & Communications team, and how can this internship help address them?
• How does YouthBuild Philly support the professional development and growth of its interns?
• What are the key priorities for the Sr. Director of Development in the coming months, and how can the intern contribute to achieving them?
• How does YouthBuild Philly measure the success of its internship program, and what metrics will be used to evaluate the intern's performance?
• What opportunities exist for the intern to gain experience in areas outside of their primary responsibilities, such as event planning or media engagement?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and commitment to making a meaningful contribution to YouthBuild Philly's mission.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this internship
• Prepare examples of your communication, event planning, or media engagement experience, if applicable
• Follow up with the Sr. Director of Development one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.