Avista Foundation Employee Engagement Intern (Winter/Spring 2027)

Avista; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

401(k) match

Education assistance

Wellness resources

Tuition assistance

Community giving programs

Paid time off

Job summary

Avista Foundation seeks a motivated intern to support the development and implementation of a new employee giving campaign. The role offers hands-on experience in philanthropy, employee engagement, communications, project management, and committee leadership, reporting to the Executive Director.

The internship includes researching practices, designing the strategy, launching the program, and evaluating results, with the lead facilitation of the campaign committee in Spokane, WA.

Qualifications

• Experience in writing and public speaking is preferred.
• Digital marketing coursework or experience is desirable.
• Market research experience is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and organization are essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a professional team environment.

Responsibilities

• Research and recommend employee giving and workplace philanthropy practices for Avista's campaign.
• Gather and summarize feedback to shape goals, messaging, engagement, and participation.
• Assist in developing campaign strategy, objectives, timelines, and communication plans.
• Create campaign communications and educational materials about the Foundation’s mission and impact.
• Coordinate activities, chair the employee campaign committee, and support outreach and events.
• Collaborate with internal partners on logistics, participation processes, and reporting.
• Track participation and feedback; draft recommendations for improvements.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing results and learnings.

Skills

Writing and public speaking

Digital marketing

Market research

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree candidate in Marketing/Communications/Public Relations

Job description

Job Description

The Avista Foundation is seeking a motivated and collaborative intern to support the development and implementation of a new employee giving campaign. This semester-long internship will provide hands-on experience in philanthropy, employee engagement, communications, project management, campaign execution, and committee leadership. The intern will work with the Executive Director of the Avista Foundation and internal stakeholders to research, design, launch, and evaluate an employee giving program, including serving as the lead facilitator for an employee campaign committee that helps guide engagement and implementation efforts. This role will help strengthen employee connection to community investment and support the Foundation's goals.

Internship Details

• Research and recommend employee giving and workplace philanthropy practices to inform the design and implementation of Avista's employee giving campaign.
• Gather and summarize employee and stakeholder feedback to help shape campaign goals, messaging, engagement strategies, and participation opportunities.
• Assist in the development of the employee giving campaign strategy, including campaign objectives, timelines, communication plans, and employee engagement activities.
• Create campaign communications and educational materials that help employees understand the Avista Foundation's mission, community impact, and opportunities to participate.
• Coordinate and support campaign implementation activities, including chairing the employee campaign committee, employee outreach, presentations, events, ambassador engagement, and other campaign-related efforts.
• Collaborate with internal partners to support campaign logistics, employee participation processes, communications, and reporting needs.
• Track campaign participation, engagement, and feedback, and assist in developing recommendations for future campaign improvements.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and final recommendations summarizing campaign results, lessons learned, and opportunities for future growth that will help to inform future internships.

Closes: November 29, 2026

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Undergraduate student enrolled full time in college earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the following: Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or another related area. Student must remain enrolled full-time during the internship.
• Must be able to work a minimum of 10 hours per week, with flexibility to work up to 20 hours as needed; scheduling flexibility is available around spring break and other academic commitments.
• Preferred coursework or experience in:
  • Writing and public speaking
  • Digital marketing
  • Market research
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and analytical skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a professional team environment

Other Combinations Of Education And Experience May Be Considered.

This internship requires an on-site presence at our Scott Morris Center in Spokane, Washington.

Student General Tech-1 (Freshman), Starting Salary: $19.51 per hour

Student General Tech-2 (Sophomore), Starting Salary: $19.90 per hour

Student General Tech-3 (Junior), Starting Salary: $20.29 per hour

Student General Tech-4 (Senior), Starting Salary: $20.70 per hour

Student General Graduate Student (Master's or PhD), Starting Salary: $27.12 per hour

Total Rewards

At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:

• Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match
• Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions
• Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation
• Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
• Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health
• Education and development support including tuition assistance
• Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact
• Other optional benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation)

To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.

We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce.

In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $19.51 to $27.12 per hour. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to [e-mail]

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.

Avista's Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at [e-mail] if you would like assistance.