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Join TWS as a Communications Intern

Media Interns play an important role in creating a window into sanctuary life for our donors and supporters while allowing our wild cat residents to live Wild At Heart. Media Interns work closely with the entire Development Team to help support fundraising efforts to achieve our goals and further our mission.

This is an unpaid internship that provides free furnished housing and $140/week food stipend. This opportunity is six months long and is ideal for college students or recent graduates who are interested in learning about social media management, fundraising, and the captive wildlife crisis.

Required Skills

  • General (for all Media Interns)
    • Strict adherence to all safety rules and protocols
    • Ability to take direction well, work independently and be a self-starter
    • Understanding of how to work within established brand guidelines
    • Familiar with Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop/Lightroom, DropBox, Google docs, Outlook, etc.
    • Physically capable of navigating 40 acres of land on rough terrain, in all four seasons
  • Social Media Support (for all Media Interns)
    • Ability to learn how to generate, edit, publish and share daily content (original copy, images, video, live posts) that builds meaningful connections to our mission
    • Ability to adapt to the “TWS voice” and seek out information that allows you to respond to donor inquiries appropriately
  • Graphic Design or Photography emphasis
  • Graphic Design
    • A portfolio that demonstrates creativity and adherence to brand guidelines
    • Come prepared with any necessary personal equipment
  • Photography/Videography Intern only
    • A portfolio that demonstrates thoughtful composition and skilled editing. Documentary style story telling Nature photography preferred, but not required.
    • Come prepared with at least one personal camera and related equipment.

Responsibilities

  • Social Media Support (60-70%)
    • Primary Daily Responsibility: Support daily management, posting, monitoring, and driving growth of TWS social media channels including Facebook (primary), Instagram, and YouTube (3 million followers)
    • Learn and practice the best ways to remain informed of changes in FB algorithm by understating and monitoring “Insights” and following industry experts
    • Assist with social media coverage on evenings and weekends
    • Participate in all Intern Education classes in an effort to become fully informed about our mission, cats, and the TWS educational pillars.
  • Graphic Design or Photography emphasis (no more than 30%)
    • Graphic Design
      • Reports to the Executive Director/Marketing Team for Graphic Design projects
      • Learn TWS Brand Guidelines to be able to create images/graphics for online store, campaign logos, education materials, invitations, and other marketing materials
      • Create logos, banners, brochures and special event programs
      • Create artwork for TWS auctions
    • Photography/Videography
      • Reports to the Communication Specialist
      • Generate photo and video content to support all fundraising efforts while learning how composition plays an important role in showcasing the Wild At Heart life
      • Document special events like rescues, vet days, volunteer crew days, etc.
      • Learn TWS Brand Guidelines to be able to edit and watermark digital photos for both print and web
      • File and organize all photos/videos within current document retention system

Additional Details

This internship offers Free Housing plus a $160 a week stipend. Media Interns are required to live in TWS housing for the duration of their internship. A car is strongly recommended, but not required.

TWS provides two iPhones, drone, Nikon camera, Production camera, and PC laptop with Adobe Creative Suite software. Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be fluent in the English language (verbal and written communication). Must provide your own health insurance.

Watch a full video about the Communications Internship HERE.

How to Apply

To apply, you must submit a cover letter, a resume and a link to your portfolio. Please email all 3 items to [email protected]  Be sure that your cover letter explains how this unpaid internship will support you in your career path and why you are the best candidate for the position.

NOTE: Position open to US citizens only

Our internships are six months long and have 4 available start dates:

  • Spring Session: March thru August every year
  • Summer Session: June thru November every year
  • Fall Session: September thru February every year
  • Winter Session: January thru June every year

It is expected that TWS Interns support the mission and values of the Sanctuary. The employer reserves the right to modify, change or add to the duties of this job description at any time. The intern understands and acknowledges that this position is terminable at will at any time by TWS. All donor’s names and contact information remain the property of The Wildcat Sanctuary and cannot be taken or used. All graphics, photos, videos and proprietary information remains the property of The Wildcat Sanctuary and cannot be used for other purposes.

Testimonials

From Timber, Media Intern Fall 2022, Lead Media Intern Spring 2023

When I first arrived for my internship, I had no idea what to expect but the moment I stepped onto the property, it couldn’t have been any clearer that this place is a true sanctuary for these cats. Each and every person here cares so deeply, not just about the cats but about each other too! This has been the most incredible experience of my life and I’m walking away a better story-teller, better photographer, better advocate, and better person!

 

From Molly, Media Intern Summer 2022

I have never had such a unique and enjoyable experience. This opportunity has allowed me to learn so much about the captive wildlife crisis as well as further my photography career. Getting the chance to work with these amazing animals and teach the public so much was such an incredible chance.

 

From Jayme, Media Intern Summer 2022

Being a communications intern here at TWS has been one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much and feel much more confident in my professional abilities. Seeing yourself learn and grow with the cats is so rewarding. I am going to miss it!