Digital Communications & Outreach Intern

About Appalachian Voices

Appalachian Voices is a nonprofit advocacy organization that brings people together to protect the land, air, and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a clean energy economy. We currently have over 40 staff members across the region, with offices located in Boone, North Carolina; Charlottesville, Virginia; Norton, Virginia; and Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Commitment to Equity

Appalachian Voices is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion both in our work and in our organizational structure. We seek applicants who share and exhibit these principles. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

We understand people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We encourage candidates to review the position details and responsibilities listed. If you have the transferable skills necessary to fulfill many of the requirements of this role, we encourage you to apply. We may tailor the role to a talented or passionate candidate.

Position

The Digital Communications & Outreach Intern will support both the Communications and the Outreach Teams of Appalachian Voices during the Spring semester (2026). This internship will require approximately 15-20 hours of work per week, and will assist the Communications Team with tasks such as managing an online photo database, creating and editing social media content and email blasts, and creating informational graphics and print materials. This position will also support our outreach efforts by coordinating summer outreach events and volunteer opportunities, updating the outreach database, and assisting with office tasks such as printing, scanning and processing mail. 

This position will report to Jimmy Davidson, Graphic & Digital Communications Coordinator, and Meredith Shelton, Outreach & Operations Coordinator. The ideal candidate will be interested in learning about graphic communications and design at an environmental non-profit, and gaining an understanding of how graphics, photography and other visual work can impart critical information and encourage action from viewers. The candidate should also be interested in community outreach and non-profit operations and be able to communicate effectively across audiences. 
 

Location: 

This is an in-person position at the Appalachian Voices office in Boone, North Carolina, though some work may be done remotely at the supervisor’s discretion. 

Primary Roles & Responsibilities

• Creating graphics for use in email, social media, and on the website.
• Photo curation and selection using an online photo management tool.
• Using existing brand templates in Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud suite.
• Creation of short video, reels, and slide show posts for social media.
• Coordinate outreach opportunities, to include but not limited to, submitting applications to participate in events; recruiting volunteers to assist with events; ordering merchandise for events; and researching new outreach opportunities.
• Attend Appalachian Voices in-person events including The Community Outreach Day, BANFF Film Festival, Earthday, local farmers market(s) and assisting with the organization of a new community engagement event at the AppVoices office in downtown Boone. 
• Assist with receiving, scanning and recording the mail and/or donations that come into the Boone office.
   

Skills & Qualifications:

• Commitment to promoting environmental progress and a just energy transition in Appalachia.
• Excellent sense of composition and design.
• Knowledge in basic graphics and communications software, including the Adobe Creative suite, Canva or similar software.
• Familiarity with popular social media platforms.
• Familiarity with and/or the ability to quickly learn online photo management system (Filecamp).
• Familiarity with basic video production is preferred.
• Basic writing and editing proficiency.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work well with a fast-paced team.
• Strong attention to detail, and the ability to perform duties with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with others to coordinate volunteers and plan and run events.
• Willingness to engage with and educate the public both in-person and online.

Duration & Compensation:

This internship is a part-time, temporary, non-exempt position. The compensation for this position is $15/hour, requiring 15-20 hours of work per week between the months of January and June 2026 (totaling 250 hours). The weekly number of hours and exact term to be determined by candidate availability.
 

To Apply: 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until this position is filled. For early consideration, candidates shall apply by Friday, December 12th, 2025. Using this application link, please submit a resume and a brief cover letter that addresses the question – why do you want to pursue a Digital Communications & Outreach Internship with Appalachian Voices? 

In addition to your resume and cover letter, please include 2-3 design samples (pieces created for a public audience preferred, but academic samples accepted). Optional: If available, please share 3-5 photo and/or 1-2 video samples. 

Appalachian Voices participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.