Social Media & Communications Intern
Position Summary
The Ames Public Library Friends Foundation (APLFF) is seeking a creative, organized, and collaborative Social Media & Communications Intern to help strengthen our online presence and community engagement.
This position is ideal for a student or part-time employee interested in communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit management, journalism, digital media, or related fields.
The intern will work closely with the Development Director to create engaging content that highlights the Foundation’s impact, supports donor stewardship and fundraising efforts, promotes Literary Grounds Bookstore, and increases awareness of APLFF within the community.
Hours and Compensation
- 10–20 hours per week
- $14.00 per hour
- Flexible scheduling based on availability and APLFF needs
- While most hours will be during the day, evening hours may be required for events, programs, and community engagement.
- Summer position with potential continuation during the academic year
Primary Responsibilities
Social Media Management
- Create, adapt, and schedule content for Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Develop LinkedIn-specific content for business, donor, and professional audiences
- Maintain an organized social media content calendar
- Ensure consistent branding, tone, and messaging across platforms
- Monitor social media trends and identify engagement opportunities
Content Creation
- Promote Literary Grounds Bookstore activities and initiatives
- Coordinate with the Literary Grounds manager to gather stories, updates, and content ideas
- Share Foundation updates, library news, and community impact stories
- Create donor spotlight and stewardship content using materials provided by the Development Director
- Capture photos and short-form video content at events and programs
- Edit and prepare video content for social media platforms
- Support event promotion and post-event storytelling
Community & Communications Support
- Assist in maintaining a sustainable collection of reusable content
- Help organize content themes, campaigns, and communications calendars
- Support efforts to align messaging between the Friends Foundation and Ames Public Library
- Contribute ideas for improving community engagement and outreach
- Stay aware of trends in nonprofit communications and digital storytelling
Supervision, Collaboration, and Approval
This position is highly collaborative and will work under the direct supervision of the Development Director.
The intern will:
- Meet weekly with the Development Director to review priorities, upcoming events, and content plans
- Collaborate with Foundation staff, volunteers, and partners as needed to gather content
- Present content ideas and drafts during planning discussions
- Submit all posts, graphics, and videos for review and receive approval from the Development Director prior to posting
- Revise content based on feedback to ensure consistency with brand and messaging standards
- Work as part of a team while contributing creative ideas and fresh perspectives
Preferred Qualifications
- Current college student, recent graduate, or part-time worker with interest in nonprofit work, communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related fields
- Experience with Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Familiarity with Canva or other design tools
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Ability to manage deadlines and work independently
- Experience with photography or video creation
- Interest in storytelling, community engagement, and digital media trends
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit the following to development@aplff.org
- Resume
- Brief statement of interest
- Examples of social media content, design work, photography, or video
Selected candidates may be asked to provide additional examples of Canva designs or digital content during the interview process.
Please email Lucia Carlson, Development Director, with questions at development@aplff.org