New Economy Communications & Outreach Intern

About Appalachian Voices

Appalachian Voices is a nonprofit advocacy organization that brings people together to protect the land, air, and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a clean energy economy. We currently have over 40 staff members across the region, with offices located in Boone, North Carolina; Charlottesville and Norton, Virginia, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Charleston, West Virginia. 

Commitment to Equity

Appalachian Voices is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion both in our work and in our organizational structure. We seek applicants who share and exhibit these principles. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

We understand people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational and volunteer experiences. We encourage candidates to review the position details and responsibilities listed. If you have the transferable skills necessary to fulfill many of the requirements of this role, we encourage you to apply. We may tailor the role to a talented or passionate candidate.

Position Details

Appalachian Voices is seeking a New Economy Communications & Outreach Intern to share stories about the organization’s work in far Southwest Virginia. This position would be responsible for community outreach at larger events, including festivals, conferences, and university student days and supporting the development of outreach materials including social media posts and reels, legislative education materials, and event flyers.

The New Economy Communications & Outreach Intern will work closely with the New Economy Program Manager and the Communications Coordinator to create digital communications materials, including short-form video content, social media graphics, flyers and educational materials for the Virginia General Assembly.  The intern will also perform direct community outreach duties such as tabling at events.  

Primary Roles & Responsibilities

• Support the New Economy Program with core outreach needs (i.e., tabling, public presentations, material distribution)
• Collaborate with Appalachian Voices staff to promote new projects and opportunities for local communities and help facilitate initial community conversations
• Advertise, promote, and support communications around New Economy activities, including but not limited to Virginia General Assembly lobbying opportunities, Buildings Upgrade energy efficiency projects, grant developments, and highlighting solar projects.
• Film and edit short-form video related to the organization’s work in coal-impacted communities
• Create graphics for social media, flyers and other handouts
• Help plan and implement social media content
  

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Interest in digital communications, environmental issues or nonprofit advocacy
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple projects independently
• Coursework or experience in communications, marketing, public relations or environmental studies is a plus
• Video production and editing, including familiarity with video editing software such as Capcut, Canva, Adobe Premiere, and/or Final Cut Pro 
• Graphic design, including familiarity with graphic design software such as Canva and/or Adobe Photoshop
• Social media content creation and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, Youtube, and Bluesky

Duration & Compensation

This internship is a part-time, temporary, non-exempt position that will require an average of 20 hours per week, excluding observed holidays. The duration of the position is 9 months, though a six-month term may be arranged for the right candidate. The compensation for this position is $15 per hour, paid on a bi-weekly basis. Health insurance and other benefits are not provided. 

This is a great opportunity to:

• Gain hands-on program and communications experience with a mission-driven nonprofit
• Learn about digital communications tools and campaigns and expand technical skills, such as graphic design, social media management and video editing 
• Work closely with experienced communications and grassroots organizing staff 
• Receive mentorship and opportunities to develop professional skills

To Apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For early consideration, candidates should apply by Monday, Nov. 30. Using the application link, please submit:

• A resume
• A brief cover letter describing why you are interested in the role and what draws you to work with a nonprofit organization focused on community, energy and environmental issues

Appalachian Voices participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.