Community Engagement and Public Relations Internship

Job Description

Job Description

INTERNSHIP ROLE DESCRIPTION

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN

About Read Better Be Better

Read Better Be Better (RBBB) is an education nonprofit addressing Arizona's literacy crisis. We equip youth with the skills to read and lead. Interns join a mission-driven, collaborative team and contribute meaningfully to programs that make a real impact.

Overview of Internship Role

The Community Engagement & Public Relations Intern will work under the supervision of the Communications Manager to help strengthen Read Better Be Better's impact storytelling, media visibility, and online community engagement.

This role is ideal for someone who has exceptional written and verbal communication skills. This role requires and individual who enjoys having conversations with other people and can get to know others while making them feel at ease, as well as someone who can turn talking points and interviews into compelling written stories. The intern will need to take direction and manage tight turnarounds while maintaining attention to detail.

Internship Title

Community Engagement & Public Relations Intern

Department

Strategic Initiatives

Reports to

Communications Manager

Hours & Schedule

A weekly commitment of 10-15 hours is required. Interns will be expected to commit to a set schedule within RBBB's main office hours of 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday.

Start Date

August/September (for fall)

Program Duration

Internship positions are meant to be short-term and based around academic semesters and last for 3-4 months. We offer: Spring, Summer and Fall positions.

Work Environment

Office (in-person) at 4730 West Campbell Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85031

Position Type

This internship is unpaid. Read Better Be Better is fully committed to providing eligible interns with all documentation necessary for them to receive course credit for their time with the organization, if they wish to do so.

Key Responsibilities

Public Relations Strategy & Execution

• Support the development and execution of RBBB's public relations (PR) strategy

• Draft press releases, media pitches, op-eds, and other PR materials for review and editing

• Research media outlets and reporters relevant to RBBB's work

• Identify timely news moments, trends, or angles RBBB could respond to quickly using Google Alerts and social media monitoring

• Assist with tracking media coverage and maintaining PR documentation

• Support the development of talking points and messaging trainings for staff

Impact Story Collection & Writing

• Identify, collect, write, and organize impact stories from students, caregivers, donors, and other target audiences

• Conduct interviews with various individuals and groups and take photos/video clips

• Draft blog posts and newsletter articles, following brand voice and standards while adapting content to different audiences and platforms

Online Community Engagement & Opportunity Monitoring

• Monitor RBBB's social media channels and engage (comment, like, message) with community partners in a thoughtful, brand-aligned manner

• Research and identify relevant partners, organizations, events, and opportunities for RBBB to engage with
• Monitor Google Alerts and social media feeds to identify articles and topics for sharing via newsletters, blogs, or social channels

Additional Communications or RBBB team support as needed

Learning & Professional Development Opportunities

• Learn how to manage PR campaigns from conception to execution, and learn the strategy behind campaigns
• Learn the importance of brand management and how to adhere to brand standards and voice while creating creative and engaging content
• Improve your public speaking, interviewing, and storytelling skills while learning the importance of impact stories for nonprofit communications and marketing
• Network with and learn from cross-departmental leaders, including through one-on-one mentorship sessions
• Build your resume with real hands-on experience and build your portfolio with published written work

Qualifications & Requirements

• Strong interest in communications, public relations, writing, community engagement and/or marketing, with willingness to learn and grow
• Strong writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor writing style to different audiences and platforms while maintaining brand voice and standards
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Interest in learning how to support interviews, note-taking, photography, and video content capture under supervision, while following RBBB's consent, privacy, safety, and content storage procedures
• Ability to complete assigned tasks with guidance, ask questions when needed, incorporate feedback and manage time effectively
• Ability to work quickly while maintaining attention to detail
• Ability to support basic photo and video content capture using organization-approved tools and processes, while following procedures that protect the safety, consent, and privacy of participants, staff, volunteers, and community member
• Ability to commit to the agreed-upon schedule and reliable transportation to and from the office location
• Because this role may involve interaction with youth and/or access to youth-serving program environments, selected interns must complete required clearance steps before beginning their internship, which may include an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card and a DCS Central Registry background check. RBBB will provide instructions and assist with associated fees, as applicable.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Enrolled in or graduated from a relevant degree program (e.g., marketing, communications, journalism, etc.)
• Experience using AP style and/or writing press releases or op-eds
• Experience writing published content, such as blogs
• Experience writing or managing social media for an organization and adhering to brand voice and standards
• Experience using a project management platform such as Monday.com
• Spanish proficiency or a basic understanding

Application & Screening Process

• Applications are submitted via the online internship portal.