Virginia Community Engagement Intern

Virginia Community Engagement Intern

With over 40 years of measured success in working with youth, SADD is widely considered the Nation’s Premier Youth Health and Safety Organization. We are a National team of dedicated professional advocates working to empower, engage, mobilize, and create positive change for students and adult allies through peer-to-peer intervention. Focusing on prevention programs in mobility safety, substance misuse, mental health, and leadership development, SADD students are working to impact their peers through a model of school and community-based chapters. Our chapter network is globally recognized, with members in all 50 states, various territories, and internationally, creating a presence on six continents. 

SADD aims to equip our students with the technical assistance and skills necessary to advocate for their safety effectively. Our motivated team of adult allies is many groups' first point of contact and inspiration. We seek that next great innovator and mentor to serve as the new Virginia SADD Community Engagement Intern.

Essential Goals & Functions:

• Support Grant Execution & Organizational Goals
  Assist state staff in carrying out grant-related activities, coordinating programming, and communicating with grant representatives. Support the achievement of state-specific goals through thoughtful planning and hands-on participation in SADD initiatives.
• Chapter Development & Campus Engagement
  Support efforts to start and strengthen SADD chapters across college campuses by identifying potential advisors, liaising with administrators, and developing meeting agendas, bylaws, and yearly calendars. Help plan and host prevention-based campus events and outreach tailored to student interests and campus culture.
• Mentorship & Student Leadership Support
  Serve as a mentor and resource to student leaders across the state, particularly those participating in the Student Leadership Council. Offer guidance on project planning, time management, and communication skills. Encourage innovation while holding students accountable for their commitments and responsibilities aligned with SADD’s goals.
• Programming & Initiative Development
  Collaborate with staff and students to design and implement programming that is relevant, engaging, and effective in a college setting. This includes developing campaign materials, workshop content, peer engagement strategies, and campus-wide initiatives that address traffic safety, substance use prevention, and mental health awareness.
• Outreach & Partnership Building
  Identify and engage potential campus and community partners—including educators, safety professionals, panhellenic councils, and nightlife venues—to support prevention efforts. Schedule and attend meetings to cultivate relationships and expand SADD’s presence.
• Digital Media & Communications Support
  Capture photos, videos, and updates from local events and chapter activities. Submit content to the National Communications team to amplify SADD’s digital footprint and increase program visibility.
• Data Collection & Program Evaluation
  Collect participant data and maintain accurate records of events, activities, and outreach efforts. Distribute and manage pre- and post-program surveys to assess impact and support ongoing program improvement and reporting needs.
• Research, Reporting & Conference Opportunities
  Conduct research to identify community needs and potential programming partners. Assist in drafting reports based on data findings, and support internal and external reporting requirements including timecards, expense documentation, and progress summaries. Where applicable, interns may have the opportunity to present research, findings, or projects at major national conferences or events in partnership with SADD’s leadership team.
• Professionalism & Representation
  Exhibit maturity, sound judgment, and professionalism in all work settings. A "Yes, and…" attitude, appropriate attire, and respectful engagement with peers and professionals are essential when representing SADD.
• Flexibility & Travel
  Be prepared for local and occasional out-of-state travel to support events and programming. Flexibility in schedule and duties is expected to meet organizational and grant-driven needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Licenses, & Certifications:

Required: 

• Enrolled at a College or University in a 2 or 4-year undergraduate program, with a degree focus in health or human services, education, sociology/psychology, policy, public affairs, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Applications for students enrolled in higher education institutions in the Central and Eastern/Coastal regions of the State will be prioritized, as well as those studying on-site/in person.
• Dedication to a responsible and healthy lifestyle that is in line with the values of SADD
• Ability to work independently, with minimal direct supervision, and a malleable approach to a working schedule; nights and weekends may occasionally be necessary.
• Familiarity with software such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Canva, Adobe, Grammarly, and other tools. 
• Must be able to pass a Federal SAM and background check.
• Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance, with access to reliable transportation or supplementary means of travel beyond mass transit required.

Preferred:

• Proven experience in the field(s) of education, prevention (including, but not limited to: substances, mental health, suicide, reproductive health, violence, etc.), youth advocacy, public policy, program or curriculum development, healthcare, or another relevant field. 
• License and/or Certification in the field of work.
• Direct experience working with youth populations.

Relevant Soft Skills:

• Active Listening
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Creativity
• Critical Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Flexibility
• Initiative
• Integrity
• Leadership
• Organization
• Prioritization
• Problem-Solving
• Professionalism
• Self-direction & Independence
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Time Management
• Transparency

Position Details

Job Type: Part-time, hourly. Grant funded.

Hours: Flexible. 12-15 hours per week on average.

Salary Range: $17-$20 Hourly

Reporting: This position will report to the Director of Field Engagement.

Benefits:

• Remote, work from home (with in-person engagements in the field required)
• Flexible, independently developed schedule

Equal Opportunity Employer:

As a company dedicated to Equal Opportunity Employment, we uphold a commitment to providing fair and equitable employment opportunities to all individuals seeking employment with us. Our employment decisions are solely influenced by job-related factors, devoid of discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status as a qualified individual, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.