Social Media & Digital Content Intern

Tell Stories That Help Animals Find Homes.

The Potter League for Animals is seeking a creative, organized, and enthusiastic Social Media & Digital Content Intern to help tell the stories of the animals, people, and programs that make our mission possible.

This is more than a social media internship. You’ll gain hands-on experience creating content that directly helps animals find homes, supports fundraising campaigns, promotes community programs, and showcases the life-changing work happening every day at Rhode Island’s largest animal welfare organization.

Working alongside the Director of Marketing & Community Relations, you’ll create engaging content for social media, photography, video, digital marketing, events, and storytelling while gaining meaningful, real-world marketing experience.

No two days are exactly alike. Whether you’re photographing a newly adopted puppy, filming behind-the-scenes shelter moments, covering a fundraising event, or creating engaging short-form video content, your work will help animals find homes while building an impressive professional portfolio. Because the well-being of our animals always comes first, successful interns must be comfortable working around animals and able to recognize and respect their body language, stress signals, and individual comfort levels.

Position Details

Department: Marketing & Community Relations

Location: Animal Care & Adoption Center – Middletown, Rhode Island

Schedule: Part-Time Internship (Flexible Semester Schedule)

Expected Commitment: Approximately 10–15 hours per week (flexible based on academic requirements).

Reports To: Director of Marketing & Community Relations

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship. The Potter League for Animals is happy to work with colleges and universities to facilitate academic credit and other institution-approved internship programs, including university-funded internship opportunities where applicable.

Accountabilities

• Capture photos and video of adoptable animals, staff, volunteers, events, and daily shelter life.
• Assist in creating content for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and other digital platforms.
• Write captions and social media copy that align with the Potter League’s voice and brand.
• Assist with planning and scheduling social media content.
• Research current social media trends, audio, and creative content ideas that align with the Potter League’s brand and mission.
• Create basic graphics using Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (or similar platforms).
• Work closely with Animal Care & Behavior staff and volunteers to ensure all photography and videography sessions prioritize animal safety, comfort, and welfare.
• Exercise good judgment by creating content that reflects the Potter League’s commitment to humane animal handling, positive low-stress interactions, and animal welfare over entertainment or social media trends.
• Organize and maintain the department’s digital photo and video library.
• Support marketing campaigns for adoptions, fundraising events, educational programs, and community outreach.
• Assist with a variety of marketing and communications projects as departmental needs arise.
• Assist with photography, videography, and live social media coverage during occasional evening or weekend events.
• Represent the Potter League in a professional manner and support the organization’s mission.
• Adhere to all Code of Conduct standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Success Factors

The ideal candidate:

• Is creative, curious, and eager to learn.
• Enjoys storytelling through photography, video, and writing.
• Works well independently and collaboratively.
• Is organized and able to manage multiple projects.
• Stays current with social media trends while recognizing that animal welfare always comes before creating content.
• Demonstrates good judgment when working around animals and understands basic animal body language and stress signals.
• Is comfortable collaborating with Animal Care staff to ensure safe and low-stress interactions during photo and video sessions.
• Takes initiative, asks thoughtful questions, and is willing to jump in wherever help is needed.
• Has a genuine passion for animal welfare and the Potter League’s mission.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in nonprofit marketing and communications.
• A professional portfolio featuring photography, videography, graphic design, and social media campaigns.
• Experience covering major fundraising events, adoption promotions, and community outreach initiatives.
• Mentorship from an experienced nonprofit marketing professional.
• The opportunity to help animals find loving homes through creative storytelling.

How to Apply

Please send your resume, a brief cover letter, and (if available) a portfolio or examples of your work to hr@potterleague.org.

Questions about the position are welcome by email or by phone at 401.846.0592 ext. 126.