How to apply for Communications Intern

About Animal Outlook

Animal Outlook is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that runs hard-hitting campaigns against factory farming and promotes vegan eating. Unlike many animal advocacy groups, they combine undercover investigations with strategic communications to shift public opinion and corporate policy. Working here means joining a lean, mission-driven team where your content directly supports animal liberation.

About the role

As a remote Communications Intern, you'll create social media posts, blog articles, and email newsletters that amplify Animal Outlook's campaigns. You'll collaborate closely with the Director of Communications to ensure a consistent voice and optimize content for SEO. This role is ideal for someone who wants to build a portfolio while making a tangible impact for animals.

A typical day

You might start by drafting a social media post about a recent undercover investigation, then switch to writing a blog article on vegan recipes for a campaign. Later, you'll meet with the Director of Communications to review analytics and plan the next newsletter. The day ends with scheduling posts and tweaking SEO keywords for upcoming content.

Who Animal Outlook is looking for

• Passionate about animal advocacy and familiar with factory farming issues and vegan messaging.
• Strong writer who can adapt tone for social media, blogs, and newsletters, and understands basic SEO principles.
• Self-starter comfortable working remotely and juggling multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative thinker who can suggest engaging content ideas, from graphics to campaign hashtags.

Tips for this application

• Show you've read Animal Outlook's recent blog posts and social media—reference a specific campaign or article in your application.
• Include writing samples that demonstrate your ability to simplify complex animal advocacy topics for a general audience.
• Mention any experience with SEO tools (like Google Analytics or Yoast) or social media scheduling platforms (like Buffer or Hootsuite).
• Explain why you're committed to effective animal advocacy, not just animal welfare—Animal Outlook focuses on systemic change.
• Since the role is remote, highlight your ability to manage your own schedule and communicate proactively.

What to cover in your cover letter

Emphasize your alignment with Animal Outlook's mission to end factory farming. Highlight your writing and social media skills, and provide concrete examples of content you've created that drove engagement. Show you understand SEO basics and can maintain a consistent brand voice. Finally, express enthusiasm for working remotely and collaborating with a small, dedicated team.

Research before applying

• Read Animal Outlook's latest blog posts and annual reports to understand their tone and current campaigns.
• Follow their social media accounts (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) to see what content performs well and what gaps exist.
• Learn about their key campaigns, such as the 'Truth Behind the Dairy Industry' or 'Meatless Monday' initiatives.
• Research the factory farming issues they focus on, like chick culling or pig gestation crates, to speak knowledgeably in an interview.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach writing a blog post about a new undercover investigation for Animal Outlook?
• Can you describe a time you had to multitask on several content projects with tight deadlines?
• What animal advocacy campaigns have you followed, and how would you translate them into social media content?
• How do you ensure SEO optimization without sacrificing readability or emotional impact?
• Why do you want to intern specifically with Animal Outlook rather than another animal rights organization?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Animal Outlook or animal advocacy—this shows lack of genuine interest.
• Focusing only on your love for animals without demonstrating writing or communication skills—they need a content creator, not just an animal lover.
• Ignoring the remote aspect—failing to show you can work independently and manage time zones if needed.