Apprentice

Afognak is committed to providing professional development opportunities to its Shareholders. The goal of the Apprentice program is to provide intensive on-the-job training to one highly motivated Shareholder in Anchorage, Alaska.

The Communications Apprentice is an entry-level position designed to provide hands-on experience and professional development in corporate communications. Working closely with the Communications Specialist and other departments, the Communications Apprentice will assist with developing written, visual, and digital communications that support the Afognak brand and keep Shareholders, employees, and other audiences informed and engaged. The apprentice will learn how to manage social media pages and be able to manage the pages on their own by the end of the apprenticeship

The ideal candidate is a creative, organized, and motivated individual who is interested in developing skills in communications, graphic design, social media management, photography, video production, and content development. The apprentice will be given opportunities to take ownership of assigned projects while receiving guidance, feedback, and mentorship from the Communication Specialist and Communications Director.

The apprentice is expected to work full-time (40 hours a week). The length of employment will be determined on a case-by-case basis to accommodate the Apprentice's training needs but will not exceed a one-year period. Apprentices can work in one of the following departments: Accounting, Information Technology, Operations & Maintenance, Human Resources, Lands, Security, or Legal. Work locations vary depending on available work and the successful applicants areas of interests.

Applicants must submit an Apprentice application form, Afognak online employment application, and resume.

Primary Duties & Projects:

Communications Planning

• Support Shareholder Services, Lands & Natural Resources, and other departments with Shareholder communications as needed.
• Assist with identifying timely and relevant information for social media and other communication channels.
• Assist in maintaining a monthly communications calendar in coordination with the Communication Specialist and other departments.
• Help gather information, photos, and other content from departments for use in internal and external communications.
• Monitor upcoming events, announcements, projects, and organizational activities to identify potential communications opportunities.

Social Media Management & Content Development

• Assist with developing and scheduling content for Afognak's social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Create or assist with creating social media graphics, short-form videos, Stories for Facebook and Instagram, photographs, captions, and other digital content that help engage followers and keep the pages active.
• Monitor social media trends and recommend creative content ideas appropriate for Afognak and its audiences.

Video Production & Editing

• Edit short-form and long-form video content for social media and other communications using appropriate editing software.
• Support the development of basic storyboards, scripts, interview questions, and other video materials.
• Help organize and maintain photo and video files and the corporate media library.

Graphic Design

• Create or assist with designing graphics for social media, presentations, flyers, events, newsletters, advertisements, websites, and other communications.

Copy Editing & Content Support

• Edit and proofread materials, web content, and internal communications for clarity, consistency, and Assist with proofreading and editing communications materials for grammar, spelling, clarity, consistency, and tone.
• Gather information and conduct basic research to support communications projects.
• Work with departments to verify information and ensure communications materials are accurate.

Project Support & Professional Development

• Take ownership of assigned communications projects from initial concept through completion, with guidance from the Communication Specialist.
• Manage assigned tasks and projects to meet established deadlines.
• Develop proficiency in communications tools, software, and best practices through hands-on experience, training, and mentorship.
• Assist the Communications Department with monitoring the impact of Corporate Communications
• Build a portfolio of professional communications work throughout the apprenticeship.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Payrate:$20.00 to $24.00 Hourly

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate or bachelor's degree or coursework in Communications, Graphic Design, Marketing, Media Production, Journalism, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Previous experience in communications, graphic design, social media, photography, video production, marketing, or a related area is preferred but not required. Relevant school projects, volunteer work, internships, freelance work, or personal projects will be considered.
• Basic to intermediate proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite or other graphic design/video editing software. Familiarity with programs such as Photoshop, Lightroom Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, or Instagram Edits is preferred.
• Interest in developing skills in graphic design, video production, photography, social media management, writing, and digital communications.
• Strong writing, proofreading, and communication skills with attention to detail.
• Creative mindset and ability to develop fresh and engaging content ideas.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently on assigned projects while knowing when to ask questions or seek guidance.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally and collaboratively with employees, shareholders, vendors, and community partners.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Familiarity with social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or similar platforms preferred.
• Basic photography, video production, or editing experience preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with team members through in-person and remote communications.
• Demonstrated interest in learning and developing a career in communications.
• Able to adhere to all company policies and applicable safety and health rules and regulations.