External Relations Intern Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

The Volunteer and Community Engagement Program Coordinator is a dynamic, people-centered role within JCS’s External Relations department. The coordinator leads all aspects of volunteer and intern recruitment, training, placement, and recognition, and provides direct volunteer supervision for the Friendly Visitors program. In addition, the coordinator provides marketing design and outreach support to the Senior Manager, External Relations, contributing to the department’s broader storytelling and donor engagement efforts. This position serves as a key connector between JCS programs, community partners, volunteers, and the people we serve. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Recruits, interviews, screens, mentors, trains, and supervises (or assigns) volunteers and interns.

Volunteer and Intern Coordination - Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Communicates with all departments of the organization to identify available opportunities and needs for Participants.  

• Recruits, trains, and engages with participants to fit available roles using a variety of resources and techniques.  

• Gathers information about each participant's skills, availability, and goals; matches appropriate opportunities based on this data.  

• In partnership with program staff, schedules, coordinates, and assigns participants to appropriate departments, supervisors, and/or mentors; Acts as a liaison to ensure the assigned program confirms scheduling needs directly to Participants.  

• Maintains regular communication with Participants to ensure placements remain a good fit for skills and goals. 

• Coordinates volunteer recognition, appreciation events, and related activities. 

• Maintains accuracy and integrity of volunteer databases by ensuring that all information is kept current and up to date; including information within constant contact used for bulk emails and other communications. 

• Participates in the development of the volunteer budget, monitor monthly expenditures, and adjusts spending accordingly to ensure compliance with approved budget. 

Friendly Visitor Program Coordination

• Collaborates with Case Management, who identifies and assesses seniors, ensuring their safety and care needs are met in order to appropriately match volunteers. 

• Serve as a liaison between seniors and volunteers, helping to facilitate introductions, foster communication, and ensure a smooth and comfortable initial connection experience.

• Maintains files, records, applications, and other data concerning programming. 

• Drafts, maintains, and publishes guidelines, best practices, and procedures for programs.

• Identifies potential grant and sponsorship opportunities and assists with application process as able.   

Marketing & Outreach Support

• Provides design and production support to the Senior Manager, External Relations for marketing materials, social media content, email campaigns, event collateral, and other communications assets. 

• Assists with drafting external communications and program announcements. Creates and distributes newsletter content for the volunteer community. 

• Supports the department’s storytelling efforts by gathering volunteer and program impact stories suitable for donor and community engagement. 

• Ensures all materials align with JCS brand standards and reflects the organization’s values and mission. 

• Collaborate with JCS' Outreach and Donor Steward to represent JCS at community events, networking opportunities, and philanthropic gatherings while coordinating outreach with care communities, local lay leaders, and community partners to strengthen relationships, expand visibility, and support program needs.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and encourage others. 

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. 

• Ability to maintain confidential and meticulous records. 

• Must be knowledgeable or willing to learn about Jewish values and traditions including but not limited to holidays, Shabbat programs, and end-of-life issues/customs. 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's Degree in related field highly preferred. 

• Two or more years of supervisory or program coorindation experience preferred.  

• Three years of experience working with marginalized, elderly, or at-risk populations.  

• Valid driver's license with access to a vehicle with adequate auto insurance coverage. 

Physical Requirements:  

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; driving and accessing various settings in the community.  

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.