Marketing/Communications Internship with Mentors, Inc.

MENTORS, INC. Mentors, Inc.’s mission is to increase the success rates of Washington, DC’s public high school students by pairing them with caring, adult volunteers in structured and enriched mentoring relations that promote personal, academic and career development.  Our goals are to ensure that each of our students graduate from high school ready to transition into meaningful work or higher education. We provide access to enrichment opportunities in college preparation and career exploration, community service and life skills development.  Graduating seniors are eligible for scholarships and all students and their mentors enjoy free or low-cost tickets to local sports events, museums, concerts and other cultural events.  Marketing/Communications Internship Purpose: The Marketing/Communications Assistant is responsible for helping build organizational capacity by raising Mentors, Inc.’s visibility among its multiple constituents (e.g. youth, mentors, businesses, community organizations and funders).  Reports: The Marketing/Communications Assistant reports to the Development Manager and the Executive Director. Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Maintaining, updating and enhancing the Mentors, Inc. website to serve as a resource for program participants and to communicate with the public;
• Producing outreach and publicity materials;
• Drafting and disseminating press releases and public service announcements to support recruitment efforts and visibility;
• Helping to design and produce events that will elevate the organization’s profile in the community.
• Designing and disseminating quarterly online and print newsletters;
• Drafting/disseminating/formatting program materials;
• Producing weekly “Cool Ideas” newsletter for mentors/protégés;
• Developing mentor-protégé profiles for use in organizational publications;
• Creating a template for and producing an annual report;
• Updating and maintaining development database and e-newsletter data system;
• Assisting development and fundraising efforts, including but not limited to conducting grant research and providing administrative support for special events.
• Performing daily news searches and keeping staff abreast of relevant local and national news related to youth, education, and mentoring.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with web editors and skill in and/or willingness to learn more about web-based communications;
• Exceptionally strong writing and oral communication skills;
• Experience in document layout, design and/or production;
• Proficiency in basic office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Access) and basic database skills;
• Ability to organize information graphically for presentations and publications;
• Strong information and resource gathering skills;
• At a minimum an undergraduate degree – ideally in one of the following: English, mass communications, journalism, graphic design or marketing;
• Interest in improving circumstances of low-income, minority youth;
• A desire to be part of a busy organization undergoing change and seeking to establish itself as a leader in its field.
• Event planning experience is desired, extremely useful, but not essential.

 The candidate must be highly organized, creative, critical thinker who is at ease in both professional and informal environments, attuned to the interests of youth, able to interact comfortably with diverse organizations and individuals, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team to plan and complete tasks.  Contact:                    Karin Sheets                                    KSheets@mentorsinc.org                                      (202) 783-2115