Communications Intern

Job Posting: Communications Intern (Summer Intern Position)

Type: Summer Intern Position (Canada Summer Jobs) 

Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posting Date: May 4, 2026
Application Deadline: May 27, 2026
Expected Start Date: June 15, 2026
Duration: 12 weeks 

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

The Ottawa Food Bank

The Ottawa Food Bank is a highly respected social service agency with a mission to collect and distribute food to its network of agency partners, who in turn serve individuals and families across the city. Founded in 1984 to fight community hunger, the Ottawa Food Bank works to ensure that everyone has access to healthy, dignified, and culturally appropriate food.

We are currently seeking a Communications Assistant / Intern to join our Communications Team through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2026 program.

PARTNERSHIP WITH CANADA SUMMER JOBS

This position is funded through Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ), part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). CSJ provides youth aged 15 to 30 with paid, full-time work experiences that support skills development and successful entry into the labor market.

CSJ program objectives include:

• Providing quality work experiences for youth
• Improving access to employment for youth facing barriers
• Supporting the development of transferable employability skills

This position has been created specifically for CSJ funding and would not otherwise be fully resourced.

POSITION SUMMARRY

Reporting to the Manager, Communications, the Communications Intern will support the development and implementation of communications strategies that enhance the Ottawa Food Bank’s visibility, engagement, and storytelling.

This role is ideal for a creative, detail‑oriented individual with a strong interest in social impact communications, digital media, and community engagement. The intern will collaborate with the Communications team to produce engaging content across digital, print, and internal channels.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Content Creation and Storytelling

• Draft and edit engaging communications materials in both official languages, including newsletters, blog posts, event listings, video scripts, and social media content
• Assist in developing compelling stories that highlight Ottawa Food Bank programs, partners, and community impact
• Support the creation of posters, FAQs, signage, and other public‑facing communications materials

Digital and Social Media Support

• Develop, schedule, and publish social media content across platforms (Instagram, Threads, Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Monitor engagement and respond to comments and messages to foster community connection
• Support accessibility and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices in digital content
• Track and report on digital performance and engagement metrics (Google Analytics experience is an asset)

Website, Media, and Brand Support

• Support timely updates to the Ottawa Food Bank website (WordPress experience is an asset)
• Update and maintain media contact lists
• Track media coverage and compile reports on Ottawa Food Bank activities
• Ensure brand consistency across all communications materials

Events and Visual Content

• Support the promotion of fundraising, marketing, and community engagement events
• Capture photos and videos during events for use in digital communications
• Support the creation of visual assets using Canva and Adobe Creative Suite tools

Administrative and Team Support

• Maintain communications calendars and scheduling tools
• Assist with internal newsletters and staff updates
• Provide administrative support to the Communications Manager and team
• Assist with preparing presentations and reports for internal and external stakeholders

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree/diploma in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Strong understanding of social media platforms and digital engagement strategies
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and collaboratively
• Fluency in English and French (spoken and written) is required

Assets

• Previous internship or related experience in communications or marketing
• Experience using Canva, WordPress, and Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
• Familiarity with social media scheduling tools such as Hootsuite
• Experience with analytics and performance reporting tools such as Google Analytics

Skills Development & Youth Empowerment

Through this role, the Communications Assistant / Intern will gain hands‑on experience and transferable skills in:

• Digital communications and storytelling
• Social media strategy and content scheduling
• Accessibility and inclusive communications practices
• Media monitoring and brand management
• Analytics and performance reporting
• Collaborative work in a nonprofit communications environment

The role provides mentorship, skill‑building opportunities, and exposure to real‑world nonprofit communications projects.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS 

Bilingualism is required. Fluency in English and French (spoken and written) is essential.

HOW TO APPLY 

In your cover letter, please share what makes you an ideal fit for this position and why you want to join the Ottawa Food Bank. 

We believe in diverse perspectives and unique experiences, and we welcome applicants from different paths and backgrounds. If you're passionate about this position but don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to still apply. 

The Ottawa Food Bank is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in our workforce. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ and BIPOC communities. 

In our commitment to accessibility, the Ottawa Food Bank provides accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the entire recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please inform us at people@ottawafoodbank.ca, and we will ensure that your needs are met. 

The Ottawa Food Bank does not use Artificial Intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants. Your application is reviewed by a real human being. 

 Ready to apply? Submit your application by the deadline to join a collaborative and mission-driven organization making an impact in the community.