Writing Internship - Operation Smile ILC

Role: Writing Internship - Operation Smile ILC - Unpaid

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Join our team at the Anthony L. and Hideko S. Burgess Interactive Learning Center (ILC), a brand-new exhibit located at Operation Smile’s Global Headquarters. The ILC serves as a “Window to the World,” allowing visitors to journey alongside our friends who are affected by cleft conditions as they seek the safe surgery and comprehensive care they need and deserve. This immersive experience seeks to educate students, the community, and visitors to Virginia Beach about culture, medicine, geography, and leadership. As a Writing Intern, you will experience contributing to various writing projects and initiatives, helping us engage our audience through compelling and high-quality content. Additionally, you will support day-to-day operations such as program materials management, event support, and leading virtual and in-person experiences.

This is an unpaid internship that runs for a minimum of three months.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with the Interactive Learning Center (ILC) team to brainstorm, research, and develop written content for Operation Smile’s various communication channels.
• Write clear, concise, and engaging stories that align with the ILC and Operation Smile’s brand voice and objectives.
• Assist in crafting compelling headlines, taglines, and other creative materials for events and campaigns.
• Conduct research on industry trends, target audience, and relevant topics to enhance the quality and relevance of content.
• Edit and proofread content to ensure accuracy, grammar, and consistency.
• Help manage and update the content calendar to ensure timely and consistent delivery of content.
• Contribute fresh ideas to enhance content strategy and engage the audience more effectively.

Internship Take-Aways

• Gain practical experience in a professional writing environment.
• Collaborate, network, and learn from experienced professionals in the global NGO space.
• Opportunity to contribute to real projects and make an impact.
• Develop a strong portfolio with a variety of writing samples.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Creative Writing, or related field.
• Strong passion for writing, storytelling, and creativity.
• Basic understanding of SEO principles and content optimization is a plus.
• Proficiency in grammar, punctuation, and AP style.
• Familiarity with content management systems, social media platforms, or any relevant software/tools is a plus.

Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt writing style to match various tones and audiences.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Awareness of and commitment to ethical considerations in writing, including proper attribution, avoiding plagiarism, and respecting copyright guidelines.
• Organized approach to managing and maintaining a content calendar, tracking project progress, and staying on top of deadlines.