SUMMARY:
The Veterans Outreach & Engagement Intern will gain hands-on experience in nonprofit management, community organizing, and social service advocacy. Working within a staff/volunteer team environment, the Intern will support the mission of the Thurston County Food Bank.

Under the mentorship of the supervisor, the Intern will learn to plan and implement outreach strategies, coordinate with community service partners, and assess regional community needs to increase resource access.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

·       Understand the operational framework of a regional hunger relief organization.

·       Develop skills in stakeholder engagement and partnership management across multiple counties.

·       Gain experience in nonprofit marketing, public relations, and data tracking for grant/contract compliance.

·       Build professional communication and public speaking skills through community advocacy.
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (Training & Development):

Strategy Support: Collaborate with the supervisor to learn how to design and implement outreach strategies that ensure program success.

Partnership Building: Accompany staff to meetings in Thurston, Mason, Lewis, and Kitsap counties to learn how to establish and maintain productive relationships with governmental and nonprofit organizations.

Community Advocacy: Assist in identifying and assessing community needs and learning how to connect community members to external resources.

Communications: Participate in the creation of marketing materials and consistent messaging for diverse populations.

Program Administration: Learn best practices for maintaining program records, activity logs, and reporting requirements dictated by funding sources.

Volunteer Engagement: Assist in observing and learning how to train and onboard volunteers, helping them develop necessary skills for their roles.

Team Participation: Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and fundraising efforts to understand the internal culture of a large nonprofit.
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge & Skills):

Adaptability: Ability to learn in a fast-paced, changing environment with a focus on flexibility.

Organization: Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills; experience with public speaking or teaching is a plus.

Transportation: Reliable transportation and a valid Washington State driver’s license are required for travel between sites.

Certification: Ability to obtain a Food Handler’s permit within 30 days (TCFB will cover this cost).
 

COMPUTER & TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Basic literacy in database management and spreadsheet software.
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

·       Regularly sit, stand, walk, and drive to various sites/meetings.

·       Regularly use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms.

·       Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds (Team lift or equipment should be used for over 25 pounds).
 

INTERNSHIP DETAILS:

Duration: 8 weeks
Schedule: Flexible hours, though some attendance at non-traditional hours or weekend program events may be requested for a full learning experience.
Compensation:  While going through the program, service members are still on active duty and continue to receive their full military pay and benefits.
 

DISCLAIMER:
This internship description is intended to provide a summary of the learning opportunities and responsibilities available and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Interns will perform tasks under the direct supervision of TCFB staff to ensure program and or educational goals are met.