Communications Intern

JOB TITLE: Communications Intern

REPORTS TO: Communications Specialist

STATUS: Internship; Virtual or Hybrid

CELL PHONE: Reimbursement Provided X N/A

DRIVER POSITION: X Yes No [if yes, please reference driving policy]

SALARY RANGE: Unpaid; Course Credit

ABOUT US:

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills, passion and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of over 100 employees.

SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Communications Department is responsible for marketing, advertising, designing, and tracking

campaigns, storytelling on social media, sending out SPY newsletters, and more.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for SPY’s work and be comfortable and productive in a fast-paced

(and fun!) environment. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to explore the nonprofit sector and

be a part of an innovative, growing organization.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• (20%) Help create graphic assets via SPY’s Canva account.
• (20%) Work on specific campaigns or events: ie. drafting communications plans and content.
• (20%) Help staff Venice-based volunteer and fundraising events to support social media event strategies and other event-related communication needs (ex. SPY 3rd Annual Community 5K on Sat. January 28th and Comedy Show on Fri. March 3rd).
• (15%) Run social media reports on a monthly basis, and other communications-related reports, as needed.
• (15%) Digitize printed youth member media consent forms and file digitally.
• (5%) Track media in SPY’s Press Log.
• (5%) Track external speaking opportunities in SPY’s External Affairs Log.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Detail-oriented.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Top-notch time management skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with Google Drive, Sheets, Docs, Forms, etc.
• Familiarity with Canva, MailChimp, and Hootsuite.
• Social media skills/knowledge (ie. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter).
• Strong desire to gain nonprofit communications experience.
• Able to receive course credit, required.
• Currently enrolled in B.A. degree and interested in social impact.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: In an effort to stem the significant increase in COVID-19 positive tests as a result of the Delta variant, the State Health Officer has issued an order, which went into effect on August 9, 2021, requiring paid and unpaid workers of homeless services organizations to provide proof of vaccination and/or booster (if eligible for the booster shot) or participate in weekly COVID-19 testing if still not fully vaccinated. Please send proof of vaccination to HR@safeplaceforyouth.org. Failure to provide proof of vaccination will require the candidate to produce a negative test result within 72 hours of their first day of employment and commit to weekly testing. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, contact HR at HR@safeplaceforyouth.org. Please be mindful that these accommodations are limited in nature.

Driver Positions:

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include:

• Suspended or revoked license
• Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months
• Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months
• Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months
• At fault accidents, resulting in fatality or serious injury, within the past 5 years

The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individual's employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/

For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and SPY, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the SPY staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.