Internship (Summer 2025) at Main Street Lexington (W&L CBL)

This is a summer 2025 internship opportunity based in Lexington. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and positions are open until filled or May 23, 2025. To apply, attach a resume and cover letter here in Handshake.

Position – Outreach and Communications Intern at Main Street Lexington

• Location: Lexington, VA
• Duration: June 9, 2025 - July 25, 2025 (7 weeks)
• Hours: Approximately 25 hours per week 

About Main Street Lexington

Main Street Lexington (MSL) is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization established in 2013 that works to create a prosperous and welcoming downtown while preserving Lexington’s unique and historic character. MSL plans annual events for the area’s residents to foster community pride and involvement. MSL is part of the Virginia Main Street Program, which uses a proven "Four Point Approach" created by Main Street America to achieve economic revitalization in the context of historic preservation. MSL connects entrepreneurs, Lexington locals, and out-of-town visitors, making downtown Lexington a historic community hub. Learn more here: https://www.mainstreetlexington.org/ 

Internship Overview

The MSL intern will gain hands-on experience working at a nonprofit focused on community development. They will work on critical initiatives, including supporting a new fundraising campaign, assisting with grant writing proposals, and helping develop compelling social media content that showcases the breadth and depth of MSL’s work in the community. While working alongside experienced professionals and learning how a non-profit is managed, this experience will enhance an intern’s technical writing, communication, organizational skills, and much more.  Key responsibilities will include:

• Fundraising Campaign: Assist in the implementation of a new fundraising campaign, including drafting outreach materials, tracking progress, and more. 
• Grant Writing: With support, learn how to research and gather information to write compelling grant proposals. 
• Social Media Strategy: Contribute to the development and execution of MSL’s social media strategy, creating engaging content that showcases the breadth and depth of MSL’s work in the community. 
• Generalized Outreach and Sustainability Support: Provide support as needed, including, but not limited to, data entry, documentation for organization sustainability, and event planning. 

Qualifications

• Essential Skills: Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, experience creating social media content, comfortable speaking with new people, knowledge of database management software (excel, spreadsheets), ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently and as part of a team.
• Desired Skills: Basic graphic design skills, interest and passion in community development, experienced research and information gathering, flexibility and adaptability

Internship Structure

This internship is part of the Office of Community-Based Learning’s (CBL) internship program. As an intern, you will receive ongoing support from CBL staff and your on-site supervisor. You will also participate in weekly cohort meetings for training and reflection.

Although this is an unpaid internship, students are encouraged to apply for summer funding through the Career and Professional Development Office (applications typically due winter term) and the Johnson Opportunity Grant (applications due January or March). Please note that funding is limited and not guaranteed. Additional need-based funding is available through the Community-Based Learning office upon request. This internship qualifies for EXP credit (CPD 451) through the CPD office. Sign up for the CPD Canvas Course (go.wlu.edu/Canvas) to receive alerts regarding summer funding and course credit.  

For questions, please email Bethany Ozorak, Associate Director of Community-Based Learning (bozorak@wlu.edu).