Social Media Marketing Intern

About the Organization

Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA (RHSPCA), founded in 1973, offers a full range of animal care services, including adoption, fostering, and a Community Cat Program. The shelter partners with volunteers and the local community to improve animal welfare.

Job Title: Social Media Marketing Intern

Department: Development

Accountability: Director of Development

Contract Term: Three weeks

Salary: $750 per month

Hours: Approximately 16 hours per week (1 on‑site day, 1 remote day)

Assist in growing RHSPCA’s digital presence and sharing compelling stories about animals and community impact.

Contribute to animal adoption, inspire generosity, strengthen community relationships, and gain hands‑on marketing experience in a nonprofit environment.

• Collaborative, mission-driven team that celebrates creativity and innovation.
• Meaningful work with visible impact on animals and community.
• Opportunity to shape the future of the Valley’s most meaningful nonprofit organization.
• Access to "Hill’s Pro Staff Feeding" program with significant discounts.
• Discounts at multiple valley businesses.
• Staff and volunteer appreciation events.
• 0 adoption fee on first pet adopted through RHSPCA.
• Hybrid remote work option.

On‑site requirement:
One required 8‑hour day per week at RHSPCA to capture photo and video content and meet with the Director of Development.

Remote work:
One additional day per week off‑site for editing, content creation, and scheduling.

• Capture photo and video content of shelter animals, staff, volunteers, events, and daily life using smartphone or DSLR.
• Meet with the Director of Development to review campaign priorities, upcoming initiatives, and weekly content needs.
• Brainstorm story angles, social series, and visual concepts aligned with RHSPCA’s brand and current campaigns.
• Organize footage and maintain a simple content library in Google Workspace with appropriate tags, captions, and notes.

• Edit and optimize photos and videos for Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, Reels/Shorts, including cropping, color correction, and simple motion edits.
• Create short, engaging vertical videos and reels featuring adoptable animals, behind‑the‑scenes moments, success stories, and campaign calls to action.
• Draft captions and basic copy that reflect RHSPCA’s voice and encourage engagement, sharing, and giving.
• Maintain a content calendar and schedule posts using approved tools (Meta Business Suite, Later, Hub Spot).
• Monitor comments and messages as assigned, flagging questions or concerns and noting engagement trends.

Develop nonprofit social media strategy and digital storytelling skills; build a portfolio of real‑world social content; gain insights into community‑based animal shelter donor engagement.

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in marketing, communications, journalism, digital media, or related field; equivalent experience acceptable.
• Strong comfort with major social platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok; bonus for You Tube Shorts).
• Demonstrated experience creating social content through class projects, personal accounts, or previous internships/freelance work (include links or samples).
• Basic photo/video editing skills using Canva, Cap Cut, Adobe Express, or similar.
• Excellent writing skills with attention to tone, grammar, and clarity.
• Ability to work independently and manage time across on‑site and remote days; meet deadlines.
• Genuine interest in animal welfare and comfort working around shelter animals.

Provide 2–3 examples of social content you’ve created (posts, reels, short videos, graphics, or a link to a portfolio). Attach with your resume or cover letter.

Lift up to 35 lbs, stand for long periods, move quickly, and work with animals that may be diseased, injured, or potentially aggressive; tolerate loud noises and chlorine or other chemicals.

Temporary position with a monthly rate of $750.

Approximately 16 hours per week, may involve weekend or evening work. Employment is at will; no minimum period is guaranteed or implied.