Community Engagement and Public Relations Internship

Internship Role Description
Community Engagement & 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 with exceptional written and verbal communication skills, who enjoys having conversations with others and 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

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

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

Conduct interviews with 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

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 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 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 members

Ability to commit to the agreed‑upon schedule and reliable transportation to and from the office location

Complete required clearance steps before beginning their internship, including an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card and a DCS Central Registry background check, as applicable (RBBB will provide instructions and assist with associated fees)

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

Enrolled in or graduated from a relevant degree program (e.g., marketing, communications, journalism)

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 basic understanding

Why Intern with Read Better Be Better

Make a positive impact: contribute to a nonprofit dedicated to education equity and empowering young leaders in our community.

Learn and grow: gain meaningful, hands‑on experience with real projects while receiving guidance, feedback, and mentorship from RBBB staff.

Professional development: build transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership while exploring career pathways in nonprofit and community‑based work.

Resume ready: strengthen your portfolio with projects and tools relevant to your field, preparing you for future opportunities.

Collaborative culture: join a team that values kindness, excellence, and creating positive change together.

Accessibility & Inclusion
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully in the internship program. Please contact hr@readbetterbebetter.org with any questions or requests.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Read Better Be Better does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non‑disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

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