Social Media & Digital Content Creator Intern

Description

About Marion Public Library

Marion Public Library (MPL) serves as a vibrant community hub dedicated to literacy, lifelong learning, and equitable access to information. The library provides traditional and digital collections, dynamic programming for all ages, technology access, local history resources, and community partnerships that strengthen the cultural and educational fabric of Marion. MPL is committed to innovation, inclusion, and meeting community needs through responsive services and outreach.

 

Social Media & Digital Content Creator Internship

The Social Media & Digital Content Creator Intern will support the library’s marketing, communications, and community engagement efforts. This internship provides hands-on experience in content creation, digital strategy, audience engagement, and brand development within a public service environment.

The intern will assist with:

• Creating and scheduling content for Facebook and Instagram
• Developing short-form video and graphic content
• Photographing programs and events
• Designing promotional materials
• Writing engaging captions and campaign messaging
• Tracking analytics and measuring engagement
• Supporting digital campaigns for seasonal reading programs and special events

 

Supervision, Training, and Mentorship

The intern will report directly to the Library Director (Jaime Pitt) and work closely with the Social Media Committee and department managers.

Supervision and mentorship will include a strong emphasis on on-the-job learning and ongoing professional development. The intern will receive:

• Weekly check-ins with the Library Director focused on goal setting, project review, and individualized feedback to support growth and accountability.
• Collaborative content planning meetings with Department Heads and programming staff to ensure messaging aligns with library initiatives, strategic priorities, and community impact goals.
• Training in the library’s brand voiceand community-centered communication practices to ensure inclusive and mission-driven content creation.
• Instruction on ethical photography, patron privacy, and public library communication guidelines, reinforcing professional standards and legal considerations.
• Hands-on experience with content scheduling tools, analytics platforms, and graphic design software, building practical, workforce-ready technical skills.
• Constructive feedback and coaching on writing, visual storytelling, and audience engagement strategies, with opportunities to revise and strengthen work in real time.
• Participation in professional development webinars and virtual trainings related to social media strategy, digital marketing trends, nonprofit communications, and emerging technologies in libraries, helping the intern build industry knowledge beyond daily responsibilities.

This structured approach ensures the internship blends practical experience with intentional skill development and professional growth.

 

Learning Goals for the Intern

By the end of the internship, the intern will:

1. Develop a professional portfolio of digital and social media content.
2. Understand how public libraries use digital marketing to serve diverse audiences.
3. Demonstrate competency in content strategy, planning, and analytics evaluation.
4. Gain experience writing for a public institution with a broad community audience.
5. Learn how to align marketing initiatives with organizational goals and public service values.
6. Strengthen project management, communication, and collaborative skills.
7. Understand accessibility considerations in digital communications.

This internship is designed to provide meaningful, resume-building experience while contributing tangible value to Marion Public Library’s community outreach efforts.

 

Responsibilities

The Social Media & Digital Content Creator Intern will engage in structured, project-based learning experiences designed to build professional skills rather than perform routine staff duties. The internship is developmental in nature and centered on applied learning, strategic thinking, and portfolio-building opportunities.

Primary Projects & Learning-Based Responsibilities

• Social Media Calendar Development
  Design and maintain a strategic social media content calendar aligned with library initiatives, seasonal programming, and community events. This includes mapping content themes, balancing promotional and engagement posts, and adapting plans based on analytics and feedback.
• Strategic Content Campaign Development
  Design and execute at least one themed digital campaign (e.g., Summer Reading, local history, community partnerships) from concept to evaluation. This includes audience analysis, content calendar creation, asset development, and performance reporting.
• Storytelling & Community Spotlight Series
  Develop a short-form digital storytelling series highlighting programs, patrons (with consent), staff expertise, or community impact. The intern will research, conduct informal interviews, and produce written and visual content.
• Video & Multimedia Pilot Project
  Create short-form video content (reels, program previews, behind-the-scenes features) while learning basic filming, editing, and captioning techniques that meet accessibility standards.
• Analytics & Reporting
  Compile monthly performance summaries and reflect on trends, audience behavior, and content effectiveness. The intern will learn how data informs communication strategy.
• Community-Focused Promotion Support
  Collaborate with programming staff to design promotional materials for key initiatives, ensuring alignment with the library’s mission and community-centered values.

How This Differs from a Standard Employee Role

Unlike a regular staff member who executes ongoing daily posting and routine promotional tasks, the intern’s role is structured around:

• Guided learning experiences
• Project ownership with mentorship
• Strategic planning rather than task repetition
• Skill-building and professional portfolio development
• Reflection, evaluation, and presentation of findings

The intern will not be solely responsible for maintaining daily social media operations but will instead contribute through supervised, skill-building projects that provide meaningful professional growth while advancing the library’s communication goals.

Qualifications

Qualifications – Social Media & Digital Content Creator Intern

Required Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student, or recent graduate pursuing communications, marketing, public relations, graphic design, digital media, or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated interest in social media, digital storytelling, or content creation
• Basic familiarity with major social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating with a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Reliable, professional, and able to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating content for social media (personal, academic, volunteer, or professional)
• Basic knowledge of graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Express, or similar platforms)
• Familiarity with basic video editing tools
• Understanding of analytics or interest in learning data-driven strategy
• Interest in public service, libraries, museums, or community-centered organizations

Contact Information