2025 Internship Opportunity: Communications & Events

Communications and Events Internship
Spring 2025
Term: Part-time and flexible. Ideal term length January – May 2025
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: Flexible starting week of January 6, 2025

Lowcountry Local First (LLF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that Lowcountry Local First advances economic prosperity and local ownership through innovative and inclusive initiatives that build our community’s wealth and wellbeing. We work towards this by: 1) Educating the general public on why it’s important to choose local and influence them to do so; 2) Delivering resources, programming, networking, and more to local business owners from all sectors and stages; 3) Working with elected officials, decision-makers and opinion leaders to foster a better environment for creating and sustaining local businesses.

We’re looking for someone who’s organized, responsible, fun, creative, and a self-starter that works well in a fast-paced environment to work with the organization’s communications team. The intern will primarily assist with two key initiatives: Do Good Season and Eat Drink Local Season  

Do Good Season (January - March) celebrates business as a force for good. We shine a light on the local businesses that prioritize purpose alongside profit, driving positive environmental, social and economic change for our community. This campaign includes social events, ‘Localize Your Business’ Week, and the 12th annual Good Business Summit.

Good Business Summit is an annual one-day event (March 6, 2025) presented by Lowcountry Local First with speakers and panel discussions exploring how successful entrepreneurs do WELL in business while creating a positive community impact. Attendees will learn how to implement innovative ideas and models for success while engaging with guests, panelists and sponsors during the lunch and happy hour networking events. LEARN MORE.

Eat Drink Local Season (April - June) is Lowcountry Local First's annual effort to focus attention on local growers, fishers, restaurants, bakers and beverage providers while providing fun and educational opportunities for our community to actively engage in eating and drinking what's in season. A series of community events and activities will directly connect you with the farmers, restaurants, businesses and organizations that make the Lowcountry a one-of-a-kind place to live, eat and drink!

17th annual Chef’s Potluck: One of the most popular fundraising events of the year, the 17th annual Chef’s Potluck takes place on Sunday, May 18th, at the beautiful, marsh-side Porter Room at Holy City Brewery in North Charleston. More than 15 participating local chefs will work with local farmers, fishermen and ranchers to bring attendees the freshest, local ingredients the Lowcountry has to offer!

Internship Responsibilities

The Intern will contribute to:

• Project administration

• Communications including blog posts and social media

• Event and campaign marketing (utilizing Mailchimp)

• Data management

• Website updates (Novi and Wordpress platforms)

• Event logistics and production (to include the 12th annual Good Business Summit and 17th annual Chef’s Potluck) 

Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in local economic development and alternative business models preferred.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and an energy that attracts others. Intern must be able to communicate effectively and professionally, and be comfortable reaching out via email, phone and in-person to represent Lowcountry Local First.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Self-motivated and self-regulated.

• Extreme attention to detail and organization.

• Strong computer skills required, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. A desire to learn Novi CRM, Wordpress, Mailchimp, and other digital platforms.

Schedule & Other

• Intern will primarily report to the Events & Communications Manager but will work regularly with the Director of Creative & Marketing and Director of Development.

• Flexible part-time schedule of 10-15 hours / week, typically falling Monday through Friday between 9am to 5pm, with occasional special events on weekday evenings (no more than 2/ month)

• Internship for school credit is encouraged, but not required.

 Benefits

• A stipend will be provided, based on length of internship (half up front and half upon completion).

• Gain valuable nonprofit experience with an organization twice named Best Local Cause by Charleston City Paper and 2015 Small Business Ally of the Year by the SC Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

• Work with a great team of professionals. Meet the LLF crew. 

• Work in a coworking space on the upper peninsula described as an “open, beautiful, vibrant space designed to bring local entrepreneurs together,” by Charleston City Paper.

• Meet and interact with LLF member businesses (500+ local companies), Local Works coworkers, and Good Business Summit speakers and attendees.

Location

Internship will be located at the Lowcountry Local First office and Local Works coworking space at 1859 Summerville Ave, Suite 800, Charleston, SC 29405 on the Upper Peninsula. Must provide your own laptop, and transportation for occasional off-site tasks/meetings.

To Apply

Email cover letter and resume to Jordan Amaker, Director of Advocacy and Communications, at jordan@lowcountrylocalfirst.org with “Communications and Event Intern – Your Name” in subject heading. Please send PDF files only (no Word docs, please). Feel free to share your LinkedIn, blog, a video – whatever lets us know who you are and what you’re all about. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.