Communications Intern

Position: Communications Intern

Location: Toronto, ON

Language: English, French (an asset)

Supervisor: Manager, Communications

Position Type: Full-time, May-August 2026

Job requirement: Must be eligible to work in Canada

Salary: $18.50/hour

Closing Date: May 15, 2026

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Communications Intern will support Crossroads International’s efforts to engage Canadians in advancing women’s rights and gender equality in sub-Saharan Africa, which also supports our communications and outreach to advance community and social well-being for priority groups in Canada—including newcomers and refugees, women, seniors, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and persons living with disabilities. The intern will also support work that uplifts community events, community-based organizations, and local not-for-profit partners delivering services connected to advocacy, food security, social inclusion, and more.

 

This position forms part of the Philanthropy and Public Engagement team, supporting Communications Officers on activities related to awareness-raising, storytelling, public engagement, and initiatives connected to cultural sensitivity, international development, and civic engagement. The role requires an enthusiastic, dedicated, and detail-oriented person who can manage multiple tasks and adapt to shifting priorities.

 

The role also offers exposure to green job–related communications work, including initiatives connected to environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainability in our programming. Additionally, the intern will gain hands-on experience with technology, digital tools, and opportunities to develop foundational artificial intelligence skills relevant to modern communications workflows.

 

The Communications Intern position is full-time (35 hours/week) for 8 weeks from May to August 2026, with potential for continued employment depending on organizational needs.

 

The role is primarily remote, with the option to work at the Toronto office when possible.

 

Main Responsibilities

In addition to existing functions, this position will incorporate priorities related to community well-being, equity-seeking groups, environmental protection, and digital innovation.

 

Communications & Content Development

 

• Plan, research, report, and coordinate social media content promoting Crossroads’ videos, events, blogs, and community initiatives (e.g., poverty reduction, food security, girls’ and women’s rights, economic empowerment, etc.).
• Edit and update promotional material (brochures, photos, videos, infographics, presentations) with attention to representing diverse communities and local not-for-profit partners.
• Develop content (including short videos and visuals) highlighting Crossroads’ contributions to environmental sustainability and volunteer opportunities in international development.
• Support website updates and maintenance, including sections related to advocacy, community partners, and social inclusion services.

 

Public Engagement & Community Partnerships

 

• Assist in planning and implementing public engagement events, including outreach to local not-for-profit organizations.
• Support coordination of fundraising events (bike rides, walk-a-thons, peer-to-peer events), including relationship-building with community partners and local businesses.
• Research opportunities to share stories with journalists and media outlets that focus on equity, poverty reduction, women’s rights, and environmental protection.

 

Technology, Digital Skills & Foundational AI

 

• Use digital tools—including video editing software, analytics dashboards, and Office 365 applications—to support communications activities.
• Gain exposure to foundational artificial intelligence tools for writing support, analytics, digital asset creation, and workflow optimization, with appropriate training.
• Assist in analyzing engagement results using digital metrics, dashboards, and potentially AI-supported insights.

 

Administrative & Team Support

 

• Support communications planning through calendar review and project coordination.
• Draft and proofread supporter engagement emails and set up email workflows in engagement platforms.
• Contribute to tasks for the larger Philanthropy and Public Engagement team.
• Other duties and special projects related to community well-being, environmental protection, and digital innovation as assigned.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a university program or equivalent in a related field (Business, Human Resources, Communications, Sociology, etc.)
• Eligible to work in Canada
• Interested in international development and issues related to gender equality and women’s empowerment
• Excellent language skills in English or French required, bilingualism a strong asset
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications (i.e., SharePoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
• Experience with Social Media outlets
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Capacity to work both collaboratively in a team and independently
• High level of autonomy and initiative
• Ability to work remotely for majority of the workweek in a fast-paced environment with the option of going into office if preferred

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS

• Share Crossroads’ values and ethical standards, particularly:
  • A commitment to preventing, mitigating and responding to sexual violence,
  • A commitment to gender equality, and
  • A commitment to anti-racism.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse populations and stakeholders and contribute to an inclusive organizational culture.
• Commitment to promoting gender equality and advancing the rights of women and girls in unique organizational roles and through organizational initiatives.

the organization

Crossroads International, a leader in international cooperation, has been fighting inequality for more than 60 years. We do this by bringing people together for a common cause, to create lasting solutions to overcome poverty and advance women’s rights. Crossroads works in some of the world’s poorest nations in sub-Saharan Africa.  We work with local partner organizations to create decent jobs and to empower women to become leaders and live free from violence.  Every year, we engage hundreds of experienced volunteers and staff North and South who apply their expertise locally to address global issues.  We invest in local partners who are best positioned to meet the needs of their communities.  With local partners, we develop co-operatives and collective enterprises that generate income and advance the autonomy of youth, women and the rural poor. We pilot innovative approaches to reducing violence against women and girls and advancing women’s rights. Together we are leveraging knowledge, expertise and dollars to create a more just and equitable world. Crossroads is a registered charity, supported by Global Affairs Canada, other government and non-government funders, and many individual donors around the world.

Crossroads is committed to the fundamentals and values of access and equity. Crossroads continuously works to promote an equitable culture of inclusivity and transparency. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee at Crossroads involves staff from various teams and regions within the organization, and committee members hold fresh perspectives essential for fostering meaningful dialogue and driving impactful change.

Crossroads is also committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct and advancing anti-racism. To that end, the organization is a signatory to Cooperation Canada’s Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct and the Anti-Racism Framework for Canada’s International cooperation sector.

OUR VISION

ONE WORLD where poverty is eliminated, equality prevails, and the rights of women and girls are fulfilled.

APPLICATION

If you are interested in joining a dynamic international development organization, please submit your resume and cover letter in one document (Word or PDF) before 5:00PM EST on May 15, 2026, by e-mail to rh_hr@cintl.org. Applications must include “Communications Intern – Your name” in the subject line of the email. We will not consider applications received after the deadline. Not sure you have everything we’re asking for, but know you can make a big impact? Tell us about your story, and we will be happy to consider you.

Crossroads is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and respectful culture for all. We do not tolerate discrimination, sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse of any form. We acknowledge that these behaviours are often rooted in the abuse of power, which is contrary to Crossroads’ vision of ONE WORLD where equality prevails.

Crossroads is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are strongly committed to diversity in the workforce and uphold our duty by inviting and encouraging applications from women, and others from all backgrounds and identities.  We provide access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, programs, and activities. If you would like to request a PDF version of this job description or reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture Team at rh_hr@cintl.org.

If you are interested in an international volunteer mandate with Crossroads International please click here to see available opportunities.