WS - Summer INTERNSHIP - Appalshop Newsletter Content Writer Intern

Internship – Appalshop Newsletter Content Writer Intern

Division: Internship

Department: Career, Vocation, Leadership

Experience: Entry-level

Job Code: NA

Supervisor/Reports To: Jarrod Hamilton (Appalshop)/Angela Lockhart (UPIKE)

Location: Fully virtual or hybrid at 91 Madison Ave. | Whitesburg, KY

Internship Window: 7/1/26 - 8/15/26

Must be a registered UPIKE student

This internship is designed for those who LOVE to write and are eager to learn more about and document Appalshop’s work, current events, community happenings, and more through an email newsletter format. Interns will be tasked with finding both timely and evergreen content within and outside of Appalshop and writing professional copy about findings that can be used in current or future newsletters.

Organization Description: Appalshop is an arts and culture center located in Whitesburg, KY. Since 1969, they have been producing films, plays, and radio about the Central Appalachian Region. Appalshop houses the world's largest collection of Appalachian materials in their Archive. Appalshop began in 1969 as part of the War on Poverty during Lyden B. Johnson's presidency. The goal was to train low-income youth in media. The expectation was that they would move away and use these skills to find work. Instead, they stayed and made Appalshop what it is today.

Internship Duties, Responsibilities, and Career Competencies:

• Research and identify timely and evergreen content related to Appalshop programs, regional arts and culture, and community events. (CSD, C, CT, T)
• Conduct interviews with staff, artists, partners, and community members as needed to develop feature stories. (CSD, C, CT, P, TW)
• Draft, edit, and revise newsletter copy in alignment with Appalshop’s voice and communications strategy. (CSD, C, CT, CTR, P, T)
• Assist in organizing and maintaining a content pipeline for future newsletter issues. (C, P, TW, T)
• Support proofreading, fact checking, and formatting prior to distribution. (CSD, C, P, T)
• Collaborate with the Communications Manager to track engagement metrics and refine content strategy. (CSD, C, CT, CTR, P, TW, T)
• Compile event listings, program updates, and announcements in a clear, engaging format. (CSD, C, CTR, P, T)

Competencies/Skills: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)

Qualifications:

• A current UPIKE student with interest/major/minor in Communications, English, or relevant field.
• Strong grammar, writing, editing, and organizational skills.
• Interest in Appalachian arts, culture, media, and community-based work.
• Comfortable conducting interviews and synthesizing information into compelling narratives.
• Detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines independently.
• Curious, proactive, and eager to find meaningful stories in everyday work.

Skills Developed:

• Interviewing and feature-writing techniques.
• Copyediting and proofreading for publication.
• Audience engagement strategy and analytics interpretation.
• Brand voice development and mission-driven communications.
• Content planning and editorial calendar management.

Work Schedule:

Format: Hybrid or fully virtual. Access to a reliable laptop or desktop with internet access is required.

Supervision: Weekly meetings (approx. 1hr) with the Communication Manager (in person or virtual).

Physical Demands:

• General Activity: Sitting, standing, walking.
• Use of Hands/Feet: Primarily using hands for typing or handling materials.
• Weight Lifted: Lifting equipment as needed.
• Physical Demands: Sitting for long periods, walking, listening, viewing.

Essential Skills and Professional Expectations:

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Able to meet deadlines.
  
• Comfortable working both independently and in a team environment.
• Must be able to manage stress, stay focused, and maintain professionalism in various situations.

Number of Positions: 1

Pay Rate: Beginning at $8.75/hour

Location: Fully virtual or hybrid at 91 Madison Ave. | Whitesburg, KY

Terms: Upon hire, the intern must register for the Summer II Internship course. To receive course credit, students will complete assignments concurrently with internship work. Students are required to work a total minimum of 80 hours and will eligible for the following credit hours: 80-119 hours of work + course completion = 2 credit hours; 120-159 hours of work + course completion = 3 credit hours; 160-199 hours of work + course completion = 4 credit hours; 200-239 hours of work + course completion = 5 credit hours; 240+ hours of work = 6 credit hours. Summer interns in this position cannot exceed 40 hours of work per week.

Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.