Media and Marketing Internship

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Media and Marketing Internship

🔹 Company: Operation Smile

🔹 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

🔹 Job Type: Internship

🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations

🔹 Date Posted: July 11, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Contributing to a collaborative communications strategy for the Interactive Learning Center (ILC)
• Supporting day-to-day operations, such as program materials management and event support
• Leading virtual and in-person experiences at the ILC
• Gaining non-profit and international NGO experience
• Developing content creation, cross-communication, and creative writing skills

ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed to provide a well-rounded experience in media, marketing, and event management within a non-profit organization. It is expected to be a hands-on role with a variety of tasks to help the intern grow professionally.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Take photos during ILC tours and events

✅ Speak with ILC tour guests, collect quotes, testimonials, and feedback from tours and events

✅ Assist with writing articles for the newsletter

✅ Collect consent forms from tour guests for photos and publishing; scan and maintain files

✅ Research social media trends, contribute content for ILC social media and intranet pages, and collect analytics

✅ Assist with video editing and script writing

✅ Assist with ILC tours and provide event support

ASSUMPTION: The intern will be expected to perform a variety of tasks to support the ILC's operations and communications. Some tasks may require working independently, while others will involve collaboration with the team.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: High School graduate, some college preferred

Experience: 1-2 years of customer service or administrative experience preferred

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Strong communication skills
• Knowledge of social media platforms and experience with content creation
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to solve problems and research effective solutions

Preferred Skills:

• Creative writing experience

ASSUMPTION: While some college education is preferred, the internship is open to high school graduates. Previous customer service or administrative experience is beneficial but not required.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: This is an unpaid internship.

Benefits:

• Gain non-profit/International NGO experience
• Content creation across various platforms
• Cross-communication skills
• Creative writing experience
• Experience covering events
• Experience with donors, partners, and key regional constituencies

Working Hours: Ability to commit to a minimum of 10-15 hours per week, with availability Monday – Friday, typically between the hours of 9:00am to 5:00pm, with occasional availability after hours as needed for tours/events.

ASSUMPTION: While this is an unpaid internship, it offers valuable experience and skills development in a non-profit setting.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Operation Smile is a non-profit organization focused on providing free, life-changing, facial reconstructive surgery and care to persons born with a cleft lip and/or palate.

Company Size: Operation Smile has 11-50 employees globally, with a small team based in Virginia Beach, VA.

Founded: Operation Smile was founded in 1982 and has been working in Madagascar since 2007.

Company Description:

• Operation Smile has a mission to heal children's smiles and transform lives worldwide.
• The organization provides free, safe, and effective cleft surgery and related health care to children and young adults in low- and middle-income countries.
• Operation Smile also provides comprehensive cleft care including nutrition, dental, and psychological support.

Company Specialties:

• Cleft lip and palate surgery
• Comprehensive cleft care
• International medical missions
• Non-profit management

Company Website: http://www.operationsmile.org/

ASSUMPTION: Operation Smile is a well-established non-profit organization with a global presence. The Virginia Beach office is a smaller part of the organization's overall structure.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This internship is designed for students or recent graduates seeking entry-level experience in media, marketing, or event management.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to the Interactive Learning Center Manager and work closely with the Communications and Marketing team.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site, part-time internship with a minimum commitment of three months.

Growth Opportunities:

• Gain experience in various aspects of media, marketing, and event management
• Develop skills in content creation, cross-communication, and creative writing
• Potential for full-time employment after the internship, depending on performance and organizational needs

ASSUMPTION: This internship offers a wide range of responsibilities and growth opportunities for the right candidate. It is an excellent starting point for a career in non-profit communications or marketing.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Virginia Beach office is a small, collaborative workspace within Operation Smile's Global Headquarters.

Office Location(s): 3641 Faculty Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23453, United States

Geographic Context:

• Virginia Beach is a coastal city in southeastern Virginia, with a population of approximately 450,000.
• The city offers a mix of urban and suburban environments, with a strong military presence and a growing tech industry.
• Virginia Beach has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers.

Work Schedule: The intern will work a minimum of 10-15 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate tours and events as needed.

ASSUMPTION: The Virginia Beach office provides a supportive and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Submit your application through the provided link
• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• In-person or video interview with the Hiring Manager and other team members
• Background check and reference check (if applicable)
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Creativity and initiative
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Alignment with Operation Smile's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this internship
• Provide specific examples of your content creation, cross-communication, and creative writing skills
• Demonstrate your passion for Operation Smile's mission and commitment to helping children with cleft conditions

ATS Keywords: Microsoft Office, social media, content creation, communication skills, problem-solving, creative writing, customer service, administrative experience

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this internship is straightforward and focused on assessing the candidate's skills, experiences, and cultural fit with Operation Smile.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn)
• Content creation tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.)
• Video editing software (iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, etc.)
• Customer relationship management (CRM) software (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: The intern will be expected to use a variety of tools and technologies to perform their job effectively. Familiarity with these tools is preferred but not required.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Compassion
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Collaboration
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Results-driven and proactive
• Committed to Operation Smile's mission and values

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong commitment to Operation Smile's mission and values?
• Are you comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment?
• Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to work independently?
• Are you adaptable and flexible, with a proactive approach to problem-solving?

ASSUMPTION: Operation Smile values candidates who are passionate about their mission, committed to their values, and able to work effectively in a small, collaborative team environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• This is an unpaid internship, which may limit the pool of eligible candidates
• The intern may be required to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support tours and events
• The intern may be exposed to sensitive and emotional content related to cleft conditions and the families served by Operation Smile
• The intern may face challenges balancing their internship responsibilities with their academic coursework

ASSUMPTION: While this internship offers valuable experience and growth opportunities, it also presents some potential challenges that candidates should be aware of before applying.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other marketing or communications internships, this role focuses specifically on supporting the Interactive Learning Center's storytelling and brand
• This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a non-profit setting, working directly with donors, partners, and key regional constituencies
• Compared to other entry-level roles, this internship offers a wide range of responsibilities and growth opportunities, with the potential for full-time employment after the internship

ASSUMPTION: This internship is unique in its focus on supporting the Interactive Learning Center's storytelling and brand, as well as its non-profit setting and growth opportunities.

📝 Sample Projects

• Creating a social media campaign to promote the Interactive Learning Center's grand opening
• Writing a newsletter article about a successful cleft surgery mission in a low-income country
• Editing a video testimonial from a cleft patient who received surgery through Operation Smile
• Assisting with the planning and execution of a fundraising event for Operation Smile

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to give candidates an idea of the types of tasks they may be responsible for as a Media and Marketing Intern at Operation Smile.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most important qualities you're looking for in a Media and Marketing Intern?
• How does this internship fit into the overall communications and marketing strategy for Operation Smile?
• What opportunities are there for growth and professional development during this internship?
• How does Operation Smile support its interns in balancing their internship responsibilities with their academic coursework?
• What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and how does it align with my long-term career goals?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and the opportunities for growth and development during the internship.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this internship
• Prepare for your interview by researching Operation Smile's mission, values, and programs
• Follow up with the Hiring Manager after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role

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