Student Recruitment

About Des Moines Prep
Des Moines Prep is a new public charter high school launching in August 2025 as part of the Opportunity Education Network. At Des Moines Prep, students engage in active, purpose-driven learning and real-world exploration while building a strong academic foundation for college and beyond. Our team is committed to creating a school where every student is known, challenged, and prepared to lead a life of purpose.

About the Role

The Student Recruitment & Marketing Summer Intern will play a vital role in helping Des Moines Prep connect with prospective families and students through community engagement, email, phone, and compelling digital storytelling. This role is ideal for a college student or early-career professional who loves being out in the community, creating content, and believes in the power of education to transform lives. The intern will work closely with school leadership to support outreach events, manage follow-up communications, and ensure every family has a positive, informed introduction to our school.

Responsibilities

Social Media Content Creation (40%)

• Film and edit short-form videos (e.g., Instagram Reels, TikToks, Lemon8 posts)
• Work from a weekly shot list and brainstorm trends and storylines
• Tailor content to platform voice and audience (fun, aesthetic, informative)
• Attend a weekly creative meeting with the Social Media Manager

Family Engagement (30%)

• Follow up with interested families by phone, text, and email
• Schedule tours, info sessions, and ensure smooth family handoffs to the enrollment team
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activity and family interactions

Community Outreach (20%)

• Represent Des Moines Prep at community events, school fairs, and tabling opportunities
• Set up and manage recruitment booths, signage, and giveaways
  Share the school's mission and story with prospective families and students
  Maintain and update a calendar of local events and outreach efforts

Operational Support (10%)

• Support the school in a variety of tasks affiliated with launching a new school
• Support the school leader on one-off projects as needed

Ideal Candidate Experience

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree in communications, education, marketing, or a related field
• Experience creating social media content (please include links or examples)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable with basic photo/video editing tools (CapCut, Canva, Adobe, etc.)
• Experience engaging with families or communities in an outreach role is a plus
• Must have reliable transportation and availability to travel within Des Moines 

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Outgoing, energetic, and comfortable approaching new people
• Deep understanding of content trends and local culture
• Organized and dependable, with an eye for detail and follow-through
• Passionate about Des Moines and excited to help launch a new school

Time Commitment & Compensation

• Paid internship, approximately 20 hours per week based on school need and intern's schedule
• On-site presence required at events and in the office 
• Hourly rate: $18-20/hour (depending on experience)
• Performance-based bonuses available for meeting enrollment outreach benchmarks 
• This paid internship goes from January through May 2026, with consideration for extending the internship depending upon performance and school need

Application Process

Interested applicants should apply online. Candidates moving forward to the next stage in the process can expect to submit a video interview and content example, given the expected volume of interest and need for compelling communication skills. 

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Quest Forward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.