VOLUNTEER WITH PROJECT HEAL

Project HEAL is so fortunate to be supported by brilliant and committed volunteers across the U.S. Our volunteers help us deliver our mission on the national level, either by contributing their skills to special projects or filling essential roles on the team. If you have a passion for helping people affected by eating disorders, we would love to have your support!

Due to the nature of our work, any prospective Project HEAL volunteers who have a personal history of an eating disorder should be in a strong and active recovery for 1-2 years, depending on the specific opportunity of interest.

All Project HEAL volunteers must complete an application, go through a screening process, complete a training, and in some cases (depending on the role), clear a background check.

Open Volunteer Positions

  • Reports to: Senior Marketing & Development Manager

    Status: UnpaidVolunteer

    Location: Remote/WFH 

    Travel: None

    Expected Hours: 5 hours per week

    About Project HEAL

    Project HEAL is on a mission to break down systemic, healthcare, and financial barriers to eating disorder healing. Through direct support, education, and advocacy, we help people navigate the complexities of care while working to transform the systems that created those barriers in the first place. We do this by providing five free direct services to those in need of eating disorder healing, and expanding access to identity-affirming care through our clinician training program. Founded in 2008, Project HEAL remains the only major U.S. nonprofit focused on equitable access to eating disorder treatment. Learn more in our latest Impact Report and by following Project HEAL on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

    Role Description

    Project HEAL is seeking a Public Relations Volunteer to increase brand awareness and trust through regular national media coverage. In collaboration with Project HEAL’s Senior Marketing & Development Manager (Sr. M&D Mgr), you will create a list of target outlets and editors, build strategic monthly topics, pitch and secure media coverage. The ideal candidate will have a pulse on the eating disorder, mental health, and body liberation conversations already taking place in the U.S., existing connections with relevant editors at national outlets, and be able to provide story suggestions grounded in Project HEAL’s values. This is an unpaid volunteer position.

    Responsibilities

    • Write and copyedit pitches for information/service pieces, opinion pieces, op-eds, how to articles, and think/investigative pieces on the following topics: eating disorders, disordered eating, diet culture, wellness, mental health, healthcare, and more

    • Handle all pitching communications and tracking, escalating to Sr. M&D Mgr when editors express interest

    • Write and/or copyedit press releases in partnership with the Sr. M&D Mgr

    • Create monthly PR strategy in collaboration with the Sr. M&D Mgr

    • Develop and maintain a list of relevant national outlets with editor names and contact info

    • Adhere to Project HEAL’s values and safe messaging guidelines when conducting outreach

    • Monitor and manage press email inbox (TBD)

    Requirements

    • 3–4 years of experience working in public relations directly with reporters, or a Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or a related field

    • Experience pitching nonpartisan and safe eating disorder, mental health, social justice, health equity, or related content to reporters

    • Knowledge of accessibility, inclusivity, and ethical storytelling

    • Strong alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and DEI practices

    • High attention to detail and organization

    • Experience working and communicating with internal and external contacts

    • Proficient in Google Suite

    • Access to and ability to work from a personal computer

    • Preferred: Existing relationships with reporters working in the eating disorder, mental health, social justice, or health equity space

    How to Apply

    Send an email to hiring@theprojectheal.org with your resume and links to three (3) stories you secured in the press (national outlets preferred).

    Project HEAL does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, body size, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. Individuals from historically marginalized or underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply.

Looking for a different way to get involved? Find out more about becoming a Project HEAL Ambassador here!