Internship Program: Empowering Future Leaders in Nonprofit Work

At RESCUES ON85TH, we believe in fostering the next generation of nonprofit leaders. Our Internship Program offers students and early-career professionals a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while directly contributing to our mission of serving families in need and promoting animal welfare. This program is an integral part of our community outreach and workforce development efforts, preparing participants for future careers in the nonprofit sector and beyond.

Program Overview

The RESCUES ON85TH Internship Program is designed to give interns the chance to immerse themselves in the daily operations of a dynamic nonprofit organization. Interns will work closely with our staff to support key initiatives, contribute to program development, and gain exposure to various aspects of nonprofit management, including community outreach, marketing, resource development, and social services. This internship is a great way for individuals to develop practical, career-enhancing skills while contributing to a cause that makes a difference in our community.

Learning and Development Opportunities

Interns in our program will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the following areas:

• Program Coordination: Interns will assist with the implementation and coordination of community outreach programs, helping to expand our reach and ensure that our services are effectively delivered to families in need.

• Marketing & Communications: Interns will support our marketing efforts, including content creation, social media management, and developing strategies to increase visibility for our programs and initiatives.

• Fundraising & Grant Writing: Interns will assist with research, donor communication, and helping to write proposals and applications for grants that help fund our essential services.

• Data Management & Analysis: Interns will support our data entry efforts, help manage records, and conduct analysis to ensure that our programs are effective and sustainable.

• Community Engagement: Interns will have direct involvement with community members, participating in outreach efforts, assisting with events, and supporting the overall community engagement strategies.

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Interns will not only learn about the daily operations of our organization but will also gain valuable experience in project management, event coordination, and resource allocation, among other skills essential for nonprofit success.

What Interns Gain from This Program

Interning with RESCUES ON85TH provides numerous benefits for both personal and professional growth:

• Practical Experience: Interns will gain firsthand experience in nonprofit management and have the opportunity to work directly on impactful programs that benefit the community.

• Skill Development: Interns will learn a range of transferable skills in marketing, communication, data management, program development, and nonprofit operations.

• Mentorship and Career Guidance: Interns will be paired with experienced professionals in the nonprofit sector who will guide them throughout their internship, offering feedback and advice to help them develop both professionally and personally.

• Networking Opportunities: Interns will have the chance to meet and interact with nonprofit professionals, donors, volunteers, and other community leaders, opening doors for future career opportunities.

• Certificate of Completion/Reference Letter: Upon successful completion of the internship program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and/or a reference letter, enhancing their resume and providing documentation of their experience.

Internship Details

• Duration: Internships typically last 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the intern's availability and academic schedule.

• Commitment: Interns are required to commit 10-20 hours per week. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate the intern’s school or personal commitments, allowing the internship to be a valuable yet manageable experience.

• Location: The internship may be done remotely or on-site at our office located at BJCC Citywalk in Downtown Alabama. We accommodate both options to ensure accessibility for all interns.

• Compensation: This internship is unpaid; however, interns gain valuable real-world experience and professional development that will assist them in securing future paid positions. Additionally, we offer stipends or transportation assistance if funding is available.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

We encourage students and early-career professionals to apply for our internship program. To be eligible, applicants should:

• Be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university, ideally with a focus on nonprofit management, social work, marketing, communications, animal welfare, or a related field.

• Have a strong interest in working in the nonprofit sector, particularly in areas related to social services, community outreach, and animal welfare.

• Possess strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Be able to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Have proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (knowledge of nonprofit tools is a plus).

To apply, candidates must submit the following:

• A current resume outlining their academic background and relevant experience.

• A cover letter explaining their interest in the internship and how it aligns with their career goals.

• Contact information for two references who can speak to their qualifications and potential.

• A completed application form, which can be submitted online or via email to our Internship Coordinator.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Interns will be chosen based on their qualifications, passion for nonprofit work, and alignment with the organization’s mission.

How This Internship Supports Our Mission

Our internship program is not just about providing experience to students; it’s about supporting the work we do at RESCUES ON85TH and ensuring that our mission continues to thrive. Interns will directly contribute to:

• Expanding our community programs and increasing the impact of our services, such as distributing pet food, offering vaccinations, and helping prevent pet abandonment.

• Helping create and implement strategies for program outreach, ensuring that more families in need receive support.

• Assisting with vital administrative tasks, allowing us to keep the organization running efficiently while providing high-quality services.

By nurturing the next generation of nonprofit leaders, we’re ensuring that our work continues to have a lasting impact on the community.

Get Involved Today

If you are passionate about animal welfare, community service, and making a difference, we invite you to apply for our Internship Program. Join us in creating positive change and building a more sustainable future for both people and animals in need.

For more information or to apply, please contact us at fam-mail@rescueson85th.org or submit your application online. We look forward to working with you and helping you grow professionally while making an impact on the lives of those in need.