_Social Media & Marketing Intern (unpaid internship) at Mercy Street

OVERVIEW

Mercy Street exists to cultivate mutually transforming relationships with inner-city youth through Christian mentorship. Mercy Street offers programs in 3 areas: sports, mentoring, and leadership development, for the students of West Dallas and South Dallas.

This position is a key piece of the ministry, creating compelling stories that will recruit volunteers, connect with families, and communicate with donors. We send out email newsletters, create printed graphics, post daily on social media, and update the website regularly. This role will be instrumental in increasing our social media and marketing presence and gaining visibility for our brand.

BENEFITS TO INTERN

• This role offers the intern a chance to hone their social media, graphic design, digital communication, website management, writing, and marketing skills.
• Intern will learn specific skills and online programs that will look great on a resume in any field.
• Intern will have the opportunity to explore the many facets of graphic media content strategy including project management, strategy, and creative development.
• This role gives an opportunity for a student to learn some of the day-to-day intricacies of a nonprofit.
• Experience urban Christian ministry on a multi-ethnic team working together for God’s glory.
• Intern will practice and develop writing in a clear, succinct, compelling way.
• The internship includes a monthly Intern Lunch & Learn with Mercy Street leaders, which is an opportunity for further education and mentorship.
• This internship has an option to be remote or hybrid: there is a possibility that some of the time can be in the office and some of it could be completed remotely (from home, on weekends, etc.).
• Potentially could count towards internship requirements for classes or degree plans.
• Finally, the Intern gets to play an important role in Kingdom work!

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Proven written communication skills, and a passion for writing both short and long copy.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• An interest in marketing, communications, social media or reputation management.
• Familiarity with key social media tools (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and with Google Drive (calendar, sheets, docs).
• Familiarity with additional programs a plus but not necessary (i.e. Canva, Buffer, Mailchimp, Photoshop, Office Suite, SEO, analytics): most important is an ability to learn and problem-solve.
• An ability to affirm and consistently demonstrate a commitment to our cause, statement of faith, and most importantly, a passionate connection to our mission. Please familiarize yourself with our website: mission, vision, statement of faith, and values.
• Organized, attentive to detail, a self-starter who is able to prioritize work and adapt quickly in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Able to pass a criminal background check and reference checks.
• Minimum age: 16 years old.

KEY RESULT AREAS

1. MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
   The Intern is first and foremost considered to be a Minister of the Gospel. This position furthers Mercy Street’s religious mission by:
   1. Following Jesus Christ and setting an example for others through their lifestyle.
   2. Exhibiting a passion for sharing the Gospel with others.
   3. Being willing and able to explain the message of the Gospel to kids and families of Mercy Street.
   4. Being willing and able to counsel, shepherd, and disciple kids and families of Mercy Street in a manner consistent with the Bible.
   5. Being willing and able to explain Mercy Street’s beliefs and Statement of Faith in person or over the phone to kids and families of Mercy Street.
   6. Being ready, willing, and able to lead or contribute to distinctly Christian activities (including, but not limited to, worship or staff chapel).
      
2. GRAPHIC DESIGN
   1. Create graphics for digital and print use (using programs like InDesign & Canva).
   2. Inform the public and raise awareness of events and the Mercy Street brand.
      
3. SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
   1. Design, schedule, and post content on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
   2. Create a social media strategy and calendar, and meet all deadlines within.
   3. Use Hootsuite or similar social media management scheduling tool to schedule regular posts in alignment with organizational needs and activities.
   4. Monitor reach and respond to comments on social media.
      
4. OTHER KEY MARKETING DELIVERABLES
   1. Design graphics and write stories for newsletters (using programs like Mailchimp).
   2. Update website as needed and/or requested.
   3. Work with the marketing team on other marketing tasks as requested for flyers, events, etc.
   4. Contingent upon Intern’s skills and interest, could also work on video storytelling projects.
      
5. OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
   1. Serve on appropriate committees; attend staff meetings, and other staff functions.
   2. Strengthen teamwork, collaboration, alignment, morale, transparency, credibility, and trust throughout the ministry.
   3. Fulfill necessary tasks, projects or roles as assigned.

HOURS & COMMITMENT

• Initial internship contract will be for 1 semester (spring, summer, or fall), with the option to extend for additional semesters.
• We have two levels of internship. A part time internship (ideal for students currently enrolled in school) is 5-8 hours per week.
• A full time internship (ideal for recent graduates looking to gain ministry experience) is 30 hours per week.