Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC)

Communications & Fundraising Coordinator Intern

Site Description

The Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC) was founded in 1981 by several downtown congregations to help those in emergency situations with basic needs. Services include a food pantry, clothing closet, financial assistance, case management, information and referral and limited other goods, such as toiletries, diapers, infant formula, blankets, etc. DESC serves and cares for each person in a spirit of compassion respecting each as a child of God. DESC’s food and clothing programs help ANYONE who has an emergency need with limited information required. There are no income requirements and no applications. 

You can make a difference in our community while gaining valuable non-profit, communications and fundraising experience working with donors, volunteers and clients as a DESC intern. If you’re full of creative ideas and eager to contribute on a large scale with a small agency helping people every day, then use our internship to gain knowledge about public relations and fundraising.

DESC serves almost 12,000 families a year, and our intern will play a major role in bringing services directly to those in need. Our intern will gain substantial experience through hands-on experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

You will work directly with the Executive Director on ALL communications and fundraising activities and SPEARHEAD a project through completion.

Communications

• Organize outreach campaign building relationships with professionals and making presentations  within the community
• Support special event logistics, fundraising activities, material production, sponsor solicitation, silent auction support, etc.
• Manage DESC’s social media accounts by creating and curating engaging content
• Write news releases and distribute to local media and follow-up calls to media representatives

Fundraising

• Support, create and disseminate DESC’s fundraising appeals
• Research, write and submit a grant
• Use creativity to generate donor thank you letters and recognition
• Work with the Board of Directors and Fundraising Committee to implement development strategies

In addition, based on interest and comfort-level, our intern will have the chance to provide direct services to families in need including helping distribute groceries and clothes.

Qualifications

• Possess solid written and oral communication skills and excellent research skills.
• Skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat
• Juggle multiple tasks, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Bring a solid understanding of different social networks
• Carry a passion for the public relations and/or fundraising industry

Volunteer

This is a volunteer, unpaid internship providing course credit, on-the-job training, community networking and a real chance to make a difference. Students may volunteer in a similar capacity with different hours if interested and if an opening is available. For UNF course credit, work 15-20 hours per week to achieve the 210-hour requirement.

Eligibility

Candidates need to consent to a background check and hold a current, active driver’s license with a clean driving record.

To Apply

Join our grassroots organization by emailing a current resume to David Clark, executive director, at  david.clark@descjax.org