Federal College Work Study-Community Service (Student Affairs- Best Friends for Life)

Best Friends for Life

2500 Gonzalez St.

Laredo, TX 78040

Mission:

Best Friends for Life’s mission is aimed at educating and creating community awareness of the ever-growing stray cat population, while providing veterinary care.

Website: https://www.bestfriendsforlife.org

Job Summary 

Community Work-Study Program

The Community Work-Study Program (CWS) provides federal financial aid eligible students the opportunity to work part-time at nonprofit organizations that serve the public interest.  

Goals of this program include:  

• Developing interest in public service through employment with TAMIU and placement in local nonprofit, government, or community-based organizations.  

• Applying skills and theories gained through coursework to solve problems and explore issues outside the classroom.  

• Enhancing career competencies, such as critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and leadership.  

• Articulating how experiences will shape personal, academic, and professional pursuits.  

Position Overview

The Program Intern will support Best Friends for Life (BFFL) in advancing its mission to improve the lives of domestic cats, reduce overpopulation through spay/neuter initiatives, and raise awareness about animal cruelty and neglect. This role is ideal for students interested in animal welfare, nonprofit management, veterinary studies, communications, or community engagement. The intern will gain hands-on experience assisting with adoption events, community education efforts, and program logistics while engaging directly with volunteers, partner organizations, and local residents.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of adoption drives, fundraising events, and community education activities.

• Support communication with volunteers, adopters, foster families, and partner organizations.

• Help coordinate service projects that promote animal welfare, such as spay/neuter campaigns, donation drives, and awareness events.

• Track participation and assist with program documentation, data entry, evaluations, and reporting.

• Contribute to marketing and promotional efforts, including social media content, flyers, and outreach materials.

• Participate in meetings with BFFL staff and volunteers to provide input on program planning and organizational growth.

• Provide administrative and logistical support as needed to ensure smooth program operations.

Minimum Requirements

• Enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours per semester for undergraduates, 3 credit hours for graduates).  

• Maintain a TAMIU overall GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate students and 3.0 for graduate students.  

• Must have a current and complete file with the Office of Financial Aid.  

• Must demonstrate financial need by submitting a FAFSA application annually.  

• Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen with an alien registration number.  

• Must meet all other requirements as stated in TAMIU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAPP).  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.

•  Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a professional demeanor.

• A keen interest in economic development, business growth, and entrepreneurship.

• Ability to work independently while also being a collaborative team player.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with marketing tools and social media is a plus.

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Requirements

• Work schedules are created by the department based on departmental needs but ensure it does not conflict with class schedule.

• Promptly complete all required training.

• Input hours worked daily and submit time sheet biweekly.  

• Some evening and weekend work may be required.

• Reliable transportation.

Rate of Pay: $10.00/hour for up to 15 hours per week