Internship Opportunities
Outreach and Public Relations
Posted 12/05/2023
Vision: Our vision is one of vibrant communities where everyone has a safe and healthy home they can afford, so that they have hope for a better future
Mission: We believe everyone needs a home to be successful. Therefore, it is our mission to create and maintain safe, healthy, and affordable rental homes for those who need them most.
Since 1990, Homes First has successfully created affordable rental housing in Thurston and Mason Counties, WA. In 33 years, we have helped close to 5,000 low and very low income community members find safe, clean, and affordable rental housing with a landlord who treats them with dignity and respect.
Homes First has been experiencing rapid growth as we build upon our existing community housing assets. Every year, our objective is to make a significant contribution to our region’s basic needs for affordable rental homes.
Our Homes:
We currently have 56 properties serving almost 300 people a year. We are currently in the process of adding four more properties to our portfolio and expect to continue this pattern of growth in the coming years.
We provide rentals in single family homes and small multiplex properties, plus shared living for people in recovery, adults with developmental disabilities, youth, veterans, people in court diversion programs, and people exiting Western State Hospital. All shared housing is provided in partnership with local service providers who add case management services for permanent supportive housing.
The Position/Your Role:
Working from our office in Lacey, WA, you will provide marketing assistance to drive traffic and awareness to the Homes First brand and community programs, and to assist in the execution of Homes First outreach and public relations strategy. Specific duties will be discussed during interviews but may include the following: development of a vision, strategy and implementation plan. This may include: media outreach, creating and/or distributing marketing and press materials—both print and web-based, event promotional materials, market research, and general office administration. Our goal is to connect to more community members who would give their time, talents, and treasure to our mission. Interns may also participate in special event execution.
The Outreach & PR Intern will report to the Resource Development Director and work closely with the CEO.
Homes First office hours are Monday to Friday, 8am-4:30pm.
Qualifications
Candidates will be evaluated on the full range of their lived and learned experience, educational background, volunteer experience, and direct and transferable skills.
Homes First is seeking candidates with a compelling combination of demonstrated experience and skills in some, or all, of the following areas:
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Ability to work independently on marketing projects including direct mail pieces, target marketing, and outreach events.
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Develop an outreach and public relations plan for Homes First by researching, planning and implementing a plan to improve our messaging and increase our brand recognition.
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Marketing/PR information to media, Homes First partners, donors, volunteers and the public at large.
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Knowledge of office procedures and practices, research methods, communication, and correspondence practices.
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Ability to compile written reports; obtain the cooperation of colleagues and partner agencies; work effectively with others.
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Ability to work independently; read, understand, and interpret policies and procedures; develop written materials, work effectively and well with others, communicate effectively in both writing and speech.
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Is personable, compassionate, and flexible.
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Ability to pass Washington State background check
Compensation & Benefits:
Internships with the Homes First are not paid, but offer valuable hands on experience. Course credit may apply.
Homes First will pay mileage when required to travel away from Homes First office.
To Be Considered:
The position is open until filled, with a priority application review deadline of January 30, 2024.
Candidate materials are reviewed on an on-going basis with quick follow up and inteviews.
You may direct questions to interns@homesfirst.org
Homes First’s Commitment to Diversity and Equity:
We are earnestly invested in dismantling the effects of systemic racism in our community. We are looking for people who are passionate about serving others: dedicated professionals to assist in fulfilling our mission and advancing our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We embrace and practice a high standard of diversity and inclusion and strive for equity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, citizenship, national origin, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, sex, age, status in regard to public assistance, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
***No agencies; No walk-ins; No phone calls please. Qualified applicants will be contacted after the completed questionnaire is reviewed.