Writing Internship – Operation Smile ILC

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Type: Unpaid Internship

Duration: Minimum three months

About Operation Smile and the Interactive Learning Center (ILC)

Join the team at the Anthony L. and Hideko S. Burgess Interactive Learning Center (ILC), a brand-new, immersive exhibit located at Operation Smile’s Global Headquarters. The ILC serves as a “Window to the World,” designed to allow visitors to journey alongside individuals affected by cleft conditions as they seek essential safe surgery and comprehensive care.

This engaging experience aims to educate students, the wider community, and visitors to Virginia Beach on critical topics including culture, medicine, geography, and leadership, fostering a deeper understanding of global health challenges and humanitarian efforts.

Role Description: Writing Intern

As a Writing Intern, you will play a crucial role in engaging Operation Smile’s audience through compelling and high-quality content. This internship offers hands-on experience in various writing projects and initiatives, contributing to the impactful storytelling of the organization. Beyond writing, you will also support the day-to-day operations of the ILC, including program materials management, event assistance, and leading virtual and in-person visitor experiences.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Content Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Interactive Learning Center (ILC) team to brainstorm, research, and develop diverse written content for Operation Smile’s various communication channels.
• Storytelling & Engagement: Craft clear, concise, and engaging stories that consistently align with the ILC and Operation Smile’s brand voice and strategic objectives.
• Creative Material Development: Assist in creating compelling headlines, taglines, and other creative materials for upcoming events and campaigns.
• Research & Enhancement: Conduct thorough research on industry trends, target audiences, and relevant topics to continually enhance the quality, accuracy, and relevance of content.
• Editing & Proofreading: Rigorously edit and proofread all content to ensure impeccable accuracy, grammar, punctuation, and consistency across all platforms.
• Content Calendar Management: Support the management and updating of the content calendar, ensuring timely and consistent delivery of all content initiatives.
• Strategy Contribution: Proactively contribute fresh ideas and innovative approaches to enhance content strategy and more effectively engage the target audience.

Internship Take-Aways & Learning Opportunities

• Professional Experience: Gain invaluable practical experience within a dynamic professional writing environment, contributing to a global non-profit organization.
• Networking & Mentorship: Collaborate, network, and learn directly from experienced professionals operating within the global NGO space, broadening your professional network.
• Impactful Contributions: Seize the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to real-world projects and make a tangible impact on Operation Smile’s mission.
• Portfolio Development: Develop a robust and diverse portfolio of writing samples, showcasing your skills across various content types and communication channels.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Education: Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Creative Writing, or a closely related field.
• Passion for Writing: Demonstrated strong passion for writing, storytelling, and creative expression.
• Grammar & Style: Proficiency in grammar, punctuation, and adherence to AP style guidelines.

Preferred Skills (A Plus):

• SEO Knowledge: Basic understanding of SEO principles and content optimization techniques.
• Software Familiarity: Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), social media platforms, or other relevant writing/publishing software and tools.

Key Competencies

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt writing style and tone to match various audiences and communication channels effectively.
• Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to producing high-quality, error-free work.
• Ethical Awareness: Awareness of and commitment to ethical considerations in writing, including proper attribution, avoidance of plagiarism, and respect for copyright guidelines.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized approach to managing and maintaining a content calendar, tracking project progress, and consistently meeting deadlines.