Communications & Web Development Intern

Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is part of a national volunteer movement that began in 1977 in Seattle when a juvenile court judge conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of children who are in foster care due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Today, the CASA movement has evolved into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for these children in court, school and other settings; with the goal of reuniting children with their families whenever safe and possible. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed with the goal of ensuring these children are kept safe and have the opportunity to thrive and grow.

In Texas, there are 73 local CASA volunteer advocacy programs with more than 9,000 volunteers serving nearly 25,000 children in 219 counties across the state. Texas CASA is the statewide organization that provides funding, resources, training and support to these local programs to ensure they can operate effectively and seek out the best possible volunteers who will advocate passionately for the children they serve.

Texas CASA is an inclusive, welcoming and affirming organization that values, celebrates and actively seeks out diverse candidates. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any individual, employee or applicant on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, sex, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran or citizenship status. People of all identities are encouraged to apply.

The Communications & Web Development Intern will support the Communications and External Relations Department with web development and other various tasks including writing and research related to Texas CASA’s media, storytelling, public relations and email marketing efforts. The ideal intern is one with a passion for helping others and who is looking for an opportunity to improve their web development and writing skills and gain hands-on experience in communications and public relations.

 Interns will participate in a mandatory orientation, but will have the ability to work flexible hours up to 20 hours a week. In addition to working with the Communications team, interns will gain exposure to the other divisions of Texas CASA. In addition to gaining practical skills necessary for working within a Communications department, the internship program seeks to expose interns to the broader work of Texas CASA, the child welfare system and general work environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work in a fast-paced communications department
• Develop functional and appealing web and mobile site pages with a focus on usability
• Work with various Texas CASA stakeholders to develop the overall look and design of their respective website pages
• Create and edit newsletter content and other email marketing campaigns as assigned
• Write and edit other communications pieces as assigned
• Ensure branding and messaging are consistent
• Other communications duties as assigned

Requirements

• Proficiency in website programming
• Excellent skills in writing and photo editing
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be able to pass a background check

Preferred:

• Enrollment in an undergraduate program in communications, public relations, marketing, advertising, journalism or another similar degree program; or relevant work experience and/or lived experience in the child welfare system
• Familiarity with AP style
• Comfortable with WordPress

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to motivate people, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, meet deadlines, organize and prioritize responsibilities, and identify and resolve conflicts in a timely and appropriate manner
• Ability to manage and maintain confidential information
• Must possess a focused and disciplined work ethic, be detail oriented and be comfortable working in a team-oriented environment
• Skills in WordPress, Photoshop and Canva preferred
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion; as well as willingness and openness to learning, growing and having discussions around this arena.

 WORKING CONDITIONS:

While the majority of the internship will be conducted remotely, the Communications & Web Development Intern may spend some time in the Austin office which could involve intermittent physical activities including bending, reaching, sitting and walking during working hours. It is anticipated that the person may spend several hours of each day seated at a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.

Benefits

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: This is a part-time, up to 20-hour/week, internship to begin approximately mid to late May and end approximately early/mid-August. Interns will be paid $15/hour for their work during the internship. 

Intern will be eligible for 403(b) retirement with 5% contribution by Texas CASA as well as worker’s compensation coverage.

Texas CASA is an inclusive, welcoming and affirming organization that values, celebrates and actively seeks out diverse candidates. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any individual, employee or applicant on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, sex, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran or citizenship status. People of all identities are encouraged to apply.