Position: Communications Intern
Reports to: Development Associate Manager
Status: Up to 10 hours a week, hybrid work.
Start Date: Monday, August 20th, 2025
End Date: Friday, December 20th, 2025
Stipend: $2,000
Position Summary & Purpose:
The Communications Intern is responsible for generating digital content to be used across a variety of SJPLF’s communications. This position has a heavy emphasis on storytelling and capturing meaningful testimonials from partners, volunteers, or program participants.
Responsibilities/Objectives:
35% of your time – Content Gathering:
- Attend SJPLF-supported programs to collect captivating photos, videos, and firsthand testimonials from participants, volunteers, and partners.
- Collaborate with the Development Associate Manager and Community Giving Manager to identify compelling narratives and success stories that showcase the impact of SJPLF’s initiatives.
- Employ excellent interpersonal skills to engage with event attendees, fostering genuine conversations that capture authentic stories and experiences.
55% of your time – Editing, Enhancing, and Writing:
- Use your expertise in photography and videography to edit and transform the gathered media into engaging and visually appealing videos that resonate with the organization’s target audience.
- Collaborate with the Communications Team to ensure content aligns with the organization’s brand guidelines and maintains a consistent tone and message.
10% of your time – Administrative and Collaborative Responsibilities:
- Manage the process of obtaining necessary photo and video release forms, ensuring legal and ethical compliance for media usage.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date databases that track the progress of video production and testimonials, facilitating efficient content management and organization.
- Assist with outgoing thank-you calls to donors, expressing gratitude for their contributions.
- Weekly check-in meetings with the Development Associate Manager.
Behavioral Competencies Expected:
Interpersonal Skills:
- Employ a range of effective communication techniques to build and nurture positive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Display a genuine enthusiasm for connecting with new people, fostering a welcoming and approachable demeanor that encourages open dialogue.
Teamwork & Cooperation:
- Embrace a collaborative mindset, actively contributing to the team’s synergy and spirit through a positive and supportive attitude.
- Demonstrate a passionate commitment to SJPLF’s mission.
Communications:
- Exhibit strong verbal and written communication skills, ensuring that all interactions are articulate, concise, and convey the intended message effectively.
- Approach every interaction with professionalism, confidentiality, and a personalized touch, fostering trust and credibility.
Requirements:
- Proficiency in photography and videography, with the ability to edit videos using platforms such as iMovie, Canva, TikTok, CapCut, or Premiere Pro.
- Genuine interest in pursuing a career in Marketing / Communications, coupled with a creative flair for storytelling and content creation.
- Proficient use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Organizational skills, enabling effective prioritization, deadline management, and multitasking to handle competing projects.
- Flexibility to travel to various locations around San José and the availability to work weeknights and weekends as needed to cover events and capture content.
About the Organization:
Do you love libraries and want to work at one of the most well-known buildings in San José? The San José Public Library is proud to be one of the nation’s best public library systems with 25 branches across the city. Part of its success is owed to the dynamic and committed Library Foundation, which is a separate 501(c)3 established in 1987 by a group of community volunteers who understood that a great library system needed more than public funding. The San José Public Library Foundation (SJPLF) has raised more than $45 million to enhance the Library above and beyond what tax-based funding provides for buildings, programs, collections, and services. The Foundation takes its fundraising direction from the Library’s identification of persistent and emerging community needs. Our mutually respectful and collaborative work will result in more students being prepared for success from kindergarten to college and career; more adults being fully informed and able to participate in civic life; greater access to information in print and digital forms; and for everyone to find the spark that ignites their curiosity, imagination, and wonder.
SJPLF currently operates in a hybrid working situation with in-office attendance required at least once a week.
How to Apply:
Please address a personal, specific, and thoughtful cover letter to the “SJPLF Hiring Committee” and submit along with a resume to development@sjplf.org by June 30, 2025. Your resume tells us what you can do; your cover letter should tell us who you are and why you want to work with SJPLF. To help us get a better sense of your work, please also include your portfolio or 2-3 work samples. We’re excited to see examples of content you’ve created, such as your graphic design, video production, or social media accounts you’ve managed.
The San José Public Library Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a workplace without discrimination and harassment of any kind. All candidates will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, or protected veteran or disabled status. For more information about SJPLF, visit www.sjplf.org.