Social Media Marketing Intern

Since 1973, the RHSPCA has been providing compassionate animal care to help pets and people live happier, healthier lives. We offer a full range of services, including adoption options for companion pets and barn cats so that local animals can live better lives in the spaces that suit them best. We also work with a vast network of volunteers who help us care for animals in our shelter and individuals willing to foster pets in their homes. In addition to our pet matchmaking services, we partner with community members to help manage the outdoor cat population through our Community Cat Program. Across all of these services is our commitment to providing the resources and tools our community needs to improve animal welfare. JOB TITLE: Social Media Marketing Intern DEPARTMENT: Development ACCOUNTABILITY: Director of Development CONTRACT TERM: Three Months Objective Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA (RHSPCA) is seeking a creative, detail‑oriented Social Media Marketing Intern to help grow our digital presence and tell compelling stories about the animals and people we serve. This role is ideal for a student or emerging professional who loves content creation, animal welfare, and wants hands‑on experience in nonprofit marketing and fundraising communications. Why Join RHSPCA? Your work will do more than generate clicks, it will help animals find homes, inspire generosity, strengthen community relationships, and expand the impact of one of the Shenandoah Valley's largest municipal shelters. We're a forward-thinking, optimistic team that values creativity, collaboration, and initiative. If you enjoy working with talented people, thrive under deadlines, and want your work to make a tangible difference every day, we'd love to hear from you. A collaborative, mission-driven team that celebrates creativity and innovation. Meaningful work with visible impact on animals and the people who care for them. The chance to help shape the future of one of the Valley's most meaningful nonprofit organizations. All employees with the RHSPCA can take advantage of the Hill’s Pro Staff Feeding program, which offers significant discounts on their products. Discount offerings to multiple businesses throughout the valley Staff and volunteer appreciation events $0 adoption fee on your first pet adopted through the RHSPCA Opportunity for hybrid remote Schedule Hours: Approximately 16 hours per week. 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 focused on editing photos, building short‑form videos, and preparing social media content. Duration: 3 months Key Responsibilities Capture photo and video content of shelter animals, staff, volunteers, events, and daily life at RHSPCA using your smartphone or DSLR. Meet with the Director of Development to review campaign priorities, upcoming initiatives, and weekly content needs (fundraising appeals, events, promotions, adoption features, etc.). Brainstorm story angles, social series, and visual concepts aligned with RHSPCA’s brand, mission, and current campaigns. Organize footage and maintain a simple content library (folders, tags, captions/notes for future use) in Google Workspace. Edit and optimize photos and videos for social platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and/or Reels/Shorts), including cropping, color correction, and simple motion edits. Build 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. Help maintain a simple content calendar and schedule posts using agreed‑upon tools (e.g., Meta Business Suite, Later, Hubspot) Monitor comments and messages as assigned, flagging questions or concerns to staff and noting trends in engagement. Learning Outcomes and Mentorship Gain practical experience in nonprofit social media strategy and digital storytelling with a focus on animal welfare. Work directly with the Director of Development on campaigns that support adoptions, foster care, veterinary services, and fundraising. Build a portfolio of real‑world social content (photo sets, reels, short videos, and campaign posts) that you can showcase to future employers. Learn how a community‑based animal shelter engages donors, volunteers, and adopters online. Qualifications Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in marketing, communications, journalism, digital media, or a related field; or equivalent experience. Strong comfort with major social platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok; bonus for YouTube Shorts). Demonstrated experience creating social content (class projects, personal accounts, previous internships, or freelance work). Please include links or samples if available. Basic photo/video editing skills using tools such as Canva, CapCut, Adobe Express, or similar apps. Excellent writing skills, with attention to tone, grammar, and clarity. Ability to work independently, manage time across on‑site and remote days, and meet deadlines. Genuine interest in animal welfare and comfort working around animals in a shelter environment. Please include 2–3 examples of social content you’ve created (posts, reels, short videos, graphics, or a link to a portfolio/personal account) with your resume, cover letter, or using the website link in the application. Physical Requirements Ability to lift 35 lbs., stand for long periods of time, move quickly, work with and around animals (including diseased, injured and/or potentially aggressive animals), loud noises, chlorine or other chemicals. Compensation This is a temporary position offering a competitive rate based on experience with a monthly rate of $750 per month. Nature of Employment The Social Media Marketing Intern is anticipated to work approximately 16 hours per week and may involve weekend and evening work. There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an offer of employment. It is the policy of the RHSPCA that employment for this position is at will, which means that employment for no specified term and the employee or agency may terminate that employment at any time without cause. This job description serves as a guide. #J-18808-Ljbffr