Communication Intern, HandsOn Network
How do we raise the number of volunteers? How do we make volunteering viral? How do we tell the story of a
diverse network of volunteer centers around the country?
These are the questions that HandsOn Network is working to answer on a daily basis. If you interested in applying
your communication skills to answering these questions and gaining valuable work experience, then apply for our
Spring Communication Intern position.
HandsOn Network (HON), an enterprise of Points of Light, inspires, equips, and mobilizes people to take action
that changes the world through a growing network of 250 local affiliates that serve 83% of the US population and
65 international communities. It is also a “network of networks” that includes our partnering nonprofits,
government agencies, faith-based organizations, and companies seeking to engage in service.
Points of Light (POL) – the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of
people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands
of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 million hours of service each
year. We bring the power of people where it's needed most. Please visit www.pointsoflight.org for more
information.
Position Summary: HandsOn Network is seeking a Communication Intern who can work with staff to maintain
and improve our communication channels including our website, blog, and social media profiles. The
Communication Intern will play a key role in assisting staff in engaging our 200+ affiliate network and 250,000+
online network to inspire, equip, and mobilize people to take action that changes the world. This position is ideal
for aspiring communication professionals or online strategists looking for an in-depth experience to expand their
portfolio. You will own projects, develop new ideas, and be given the time to make them great.
The Communication Intern will:
 Develop a process for collecting multi-media stories to showcase our affiliates, includes interviewing
affiliate staff and volunteers to draft blog posts, emails, and graphics
 Develop a press kit for local affiliates to use during large service projects
 Help build and execute a new email strategy to engage volunteers around the country, including helping
manage the HandsOn Network email calendar, drafting emails, working with appropriate staff to edit,
targeting, testing, and overseeing the execution of delivery
 Assist in managing social media profiles, primarily Facebook and Twitter
 Assist in updating website and blog content
 Assist in conducting research to help develop infographics in partnership with graphic designers
 Assist in producing regular analytics reports on the performance of website, email program, and social
media
Time Commitment: Min 20 hours a week (flexible hours)
Expected Start Date: Early/Mid May
Duration: Summer (May – August, with possibility of extension)
Location: Washington DC, Farragut North area
Internship Benefits:
 Participate in our Intern Leadership Program
 Gain invaluable working experience in a fun, exciting, mission-driven organization
 Opportunity to work in a collaborative environment alongside people who are in the top of their fields
 Establish a professional network and make many valuable connections
 Chance to be fully integrated into the organization. This includes getting to know how a nonprofit
functions, and an opportunity to be a part of all staff functions: departmental meetings, staff engagement
activities, and service projects
 Monthly Stipend of $500
Qualifications:
We are looking for a candidate who is extremely creative, hardworking, and an outstanding writer. HandsOn
Network is a small organization, so interns play an important role, are often involved in the decision-making
process, and have the opportunity to be creative. In other words, you'll get real world experience. The ideal
candidate will have:
 A passion for volunteerism and HandsOn Network’s mission
 Strong written and verbal communication (copy writing experience highly preferred)
 Experience writing across online mediums with the ability to boil down lots of ideas into a powerful
content for website, emails, social media, graphics, and more
 Experience managing social media channels for an organization (experience with Tweetdeck or Hootsuite
highly preferred)
 Experience with storytelling, including researching and interviewing individuals for stories
 Experience tracking and interpreting data to make strategic communication decisions
To Apply: If you are interested in joining our team here at Points of Light, please send a resume and cover letter
to serviceassociates@pointsoflight.org and place “[Communication Intern, HandsOn Network]” in the subject
line.