Internship Toolkit
II. Internship Job Descriptions
Creating a clear and comprehensive job description (JD) is crucial for attracting qualified candidates and setting expectations for internship roles. Nonprofits can use this section to guide them in developing effective job descriptions that align with VAFRE standards and best practices.
Key Elements of a Job Description
- Clarity & Transparency: Ensure the JD is straightforward, avoiding jargon that might confuse potential applicants. Clearly outline the intern’s responsibilities, specific tasks, and expected project deliverables.
- Professional Development: Highlight the skills interns will develop, such as project management, research, or communication, while involving them in team activities, meetings, and mentorship. Engaging interns in meaningful, mission-driven projects helps foster a positive view of the nonprofit sector and supports their professional growth.
- Compensation & Hours:
- Transparency in Compensation: Per VAFRE’s best practices, all job postings must include information on the salary range or compensation details. Clearly state whether the internship is paid, unpaid, or offers a stipend.
- Why Paid Internships Matter: Offering paid internships helps create equitable opportunities, particularly for historically underrepresented groups who may not have the financial flexibility to accept unpaid positions. Paid internships also lead to better job prospects and economic mobility for students after graduation.
- Volunteer vs. Employee Status:
- Interns can be classified as volunteers (unpaid) or employees (paid). It's essential to understand both federal and state regulations governing internships. The Department of Labor’s primary beneficiary test can help nonprofits determine whether an intern should be classified as an employee.
- If your organization pays a stipend, be aware that compensation can trigger an intern's reclassification as an employee, requiring compliance with minimum wage laws and other labor protections.
- Best Practices: If an internship is unpaid, it should ideally provide academic credit. Interns should primarily benefit from the experience, with a focus on skill development, learning, and career exploration.
- Hours & Scheduling: Clearly specify the expected weekly hours and flexibility in scheduling to accommodate students’ academic commitments.
- Communication & Follow-up: Keep candidates informed throughout the application process and notify them promptly if they are not selected. Document the intern’s role and expectations in writing to set clear terms.
Duration & Meaningful Commitment
A mutually beneficial time commitment is essential for a successful internship experience. Nonprofits should clearly communicate the expected duration and time investment to align with both organizational needs and the intern’s learning goals:
- Semester Internships: Typically 12-16 weeks, aligning with the academic calendar. These provide a moderate time commitment for deeper, longer-term projects.
- Summer Internships: Generally 8-12 weeks with a more intensive schedule, ideal for completing specific projects within a short timeframe.
- Micro-Internships: Short-term engagements of 2-6 weeks, focusing on specific projects or deliverables. Suitable for quick support and students with limited availability.
Establishing a clear commitment helps interns gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s mission, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to projects. Organizations should invest in the intern’s experience by providing mentorship, feedback, and engaging tasks beyond administrative work. This approach can inspire interns to pursue careers in the nonprofit sector.
Example Internship Roles & Descriptions
These examples illustrate internship opportunities in nonprofit fundraising, communications, marketing, development, and community engagement.
These examples are only meant to provide a starting point for creating nonprofit internship roles that help nonprofits attract the right candidates and set clear expectations for their internship programs.
