Voluntary Communications Internship

About Responding to Conflict (RTC)

Responding to Conflict is a small and dynamic NGO that works to transform violence and build peace. Founded in 1991 we have worked with 1000's of people from over 70 countries and in some of the world's most violent conflicts. We provide support and training for people in conflict situations so that they are able to develop the skills they need to build peace in their own communities.

About the role

RTC is offering an exciting opportunity for a talented Communications Intern to gain valuable experience working with a leading UK peacebuilding organisation whilst developing valuable skills in communications and marketing.

As a Communications Intern, you will have a key role in communicating RTC's work to a range of audiences and engaging their support. This role is not just about filing or stuffing envelopes; we want someone who will bring energy, enthusiasm and initiative to our team and get stuck in. You will be involved in everything from brainstorming initiatives, talking to partners, taking photos to editing the RTC website.

Key responsibilities will include:

Communications

• Drafting copy for the RTC newsletter
• Interviewing people for news items and case studies
• Drafting and uploading copy for the RTC website
• Organising mailings and maintaining the contact database
• Drafting press materials and promoting RTC to the media
• Promoting RTC's courses to a wide audience
• Working in close collaboration with the Fundraising team to promote fundraising events and campaigns
• Maintaining and developing social media channels

Other duties

• Some general administration duties such as answering the phone, responding to course enquiries and welcoming visitors

What skills and abilities will you need to have?

• Strong organisational skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to use own initiative within specified guidelines
• Ability to network and influence
• Ability to build relationships with key individuals and organisations
• To be creative and enthusiastic
• A demonstrable ability to work as part of a team
• Well versed in Microsoft Office applications
• An interest in peacebuilding and enthusiasm for the work of RTC
• Interest in and understanding of social media

Desirable experience

• Experience of producing effective communications materials e.g. newsletters for a range of different audiences
• Experience of marketing communications
• Experience of working with the media

What you will gain

• Experience of how a charity works
• Hands-on experience of writing communications materials
• Experience of organising and coordinating communications
• Learn about practical peacebuilding
• Enhance your CV and gain written references at the end of your placement
• Help make a real difference to peoples' lives
• Most importantly this role has the potential to make a real difference to the organisation and will give you an opportunity to see how your work can have a direct impact on RTC and the people we work with

The internship is 3 days a week, Monday - Wednesday from 9.30am - 5.30pm, for a period of six months including a one month probationary period. It will be based at our office in south-west Birmingham. The role is unpaid but local travel in Birmingham and a lunch allowance is provided (max. £8,- per day). We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, so that we reflect the vibrant diversity of today's society.

Please note that we are unable to meet relocation expenses. You must have permission to work in the UK.

How to apply:

Please send us a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet the specific skills and experience needed for this role and why you want to work with RTC as an intern and add a copy of your CV. Send it to Rebecca Wherrell atrebecca@respond.org. In addition, we would be pleased to receive examples of your previous marketing communications work, e.g. newsletters that you think will support your application.

The closing date for applications for this post is Wednesday July 2nd, 5pm. Interviews will be held on theMonday July 7th. Should you be successful with your application, then you will start in your role on the week commencing 21st July.

Due to the volume of applications we receive and in order to ensure the best stewardship of our resources, please assume you have not been successful with your application if you have not heard from us by Friday 4th July.