Digital Marketing and Merchandising Intern

About the Organization  

ASP provides one of the most rewarding structured service opportunities in the nation — bringing thousands of volunteers from around the country to rural Central Appalachia to repair homes for low-income families. Appalachia Service Project is a Christian ministry, open to all people, that inspires hope and service through volunteer home repair and replacement in Central Appalachia. 

ASP is an equal opportunity employer. No one will be denied employment on the grounds of age, sex, race, national origin, or differing physical or mental ability. Employment decisions will be based solely on qualifications for and ability to perform the duties of the position for which employment is sought. 

About the Position  

The Social Media & Merchandise Intern will be primarily responsible for creating captivating and engaging social media content- with a focus on short form video- that encourages volunteering and donation and furthers the brand awareness and image of ASP. Additionally, this position will be responsible for maintaining merchandising standards in summer centers and ensuring adequate stock, display, and storage of merchandise in centers. Each summer, the intern will travel throughout ASP’s service area, creating content that features volunteers, community members, and homeowners and maintaining merchandise in the centers. The content gathered will be posted to ASP’s primary social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn for the purpose of furthering brand awareness, storytelling, encouraging volunteerism and donation, and portraying the ASP experience through the multiple facets of the organization. This position will work closely with the Marketing and Communications Specialist and will directly report to the Marketing and Communications Manager.  

Job Responsibilities  

During the summer, the Social Media & Merchandise Intern will be expected to:  

Travel throughout ASP’s service area, meeting with volunteers, staff, community members, and homeowners to collect content (including photo, video, and quotes/testimony) for the Marketing Team to draw advertisement, fundraising, PR, marketing, and social media material from throughout future years to enhance ASP’s ethical storytelling efforts.  

Capture high-quality content from the field to document and report compelling narratives about the work ASP is doing across our service area.  

Produce content specifically for social media based on content schedule provided and as  

requested. Content should be tailored to the platform and audience as outlined by the Marketing Team. Maintain TikTok feed, Instagram Stories, Facebook Stories, and post directly to social media platforms while in the field, posting every day while on worksites and in centers. Other content should be sent to ASP HQ for scheduling and editing.  

Encourage use of hashtags in field (including #ASPhome #ASPCounty), encourage tagging, and approach individuals about sharing their story with us through blog posts, social media, or other mediums. 

Field interview volunteers and summer staffers to learn about their “why” and create content that furthers ASP’s mission, position within the community, and image 

Gather requested content for specific campaign goals as outlined by the Marketing Team. 

Gather “backlog” content that can be used in future posts and campaigns and organize content on drives, in the cloud, and utilizing effective tagging and folder systems  

Maintains merchandise inventory online using Square or other POS systems. 

Complete physical inventory counts in centers 

Deliver merchandise from HQ to centers or transfer inventory between centers 

Maintain excellent merchandising standards and displays 

Assist summer staff in hosting merch hours when present in centers 

Maintain records of merchandise sales and performance in centers 

Use merchandise inventory to predict stock needs and submit reorders as needed 

Other merchandise management duties as assigned. 

Candidate Description  

Required 

High school graduate, with one-year college education or work experience equivalent  

Excellent social skills including the ability to relate in a positive manner with all cultures  

and socio-economic audiences  

Excellent oral and written communication skills  

Highly proficient in social media management, photography, and videography  

Highly proficient in using TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook 

A good listener and thoughtful communicator who enjoys building relationships through  

conversations and written communication  

Highly organized with excellent follow-up skills  

Desire to serve others by working within a Christian organization  

Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time and meet deadlines  

Ability to travel for the duration of the internship  

Desired 

Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office suite of programs  

Education in Marketing and Communications or related field  

Previous knowledge of ASP’s mission through staff or volunteer experience  

Experience with CapCut and TikTok editing 

Experience using Square for Business 

Compensation 

Social Media & Merchandise Intern will receive paid bi-weekly compensation during the employment cycle. ASP provides all summer staff and interns with housing, food, and access to an ASP vehicle for work use. Social Media & Merchandise Intern will also receive a room and board stipend for laundry, food, drink, candy, etc.