Social Media 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.

PURPOSE OF JOB:  The Social Media Intern will support the Communications and External Relations Department with various tasks, writing and research related to Texas CASA’s social media and digital campaigns. The intern will improve their social media management 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 by collaborating with fellow interns. Interns will have routine meetings with their department mentor as well as the other participants in the internship program. 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:

·         Assist with the creation, design and execution of social media campaigns.

·         Contribute to weekly and monthly editorial calendars to promote Texas CASA on various social media websites.

·         Distribute content such as blogs, infographics, videos, podcasts and press releases on social media and traditional news outlets.

·         Help create and edit short-form videos.

·         Track social media engagement to identify high-performing ideas and campaigns for scalability.

·         Assist with drafting news releases.

·         Perform social media marketing research.

·         Develop new strategies for increasing engagement.

·         Ensure brand message is consistent.

·         Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Excellent skills in writing, editing and social media drafting.
• Interest in digital media.
• Experience with graphic design.
• Interest in video creation.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Preferred:

• Enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate 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 video editing software.
• Familiarity with photography and photo editing software.
• Familiarity with social media management tools.
• Familiarity with Airtable, Canva, PremierePro.

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 trouble-shooting skills.
• Strong understanding of developing and implementing social media content strategy.
• 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 the Adobe Creative Suite, especially PremierePro, and tools such as Airtable and Canva are preferred.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion; as well as willingness and openness to learning, growing and having discussions around this arena.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Social Media Intern may spend some time in the Austin office that 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.

TRAVEL:  Up to 25%

Benefits

BENEFITS: Hybrid (partially remote and in person) working environment. In addition, the person

will be eligible to participate in Texas CASA standard employee benefit programs, which include:

·         Vacation, Personal Days, Paid Sick Time

·         403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% Employer Contributions

·         Medical, Dental, Vision

·         Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

·         Short- and Long-Term Disability

COMPENSATION: This is a part-time, up to 20-hour/week, internship to begin approximately mid to late September 2024 and end approximately mid/late January 2025. Interns will be paid $15/hour for their work during the internship.