Community Engagement and Public Relations Internship

Internship Role Description

Community Engagement and Public Relations Intern
About 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 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 engaging people and turning talking points into compelling stories. The intern will take direction, manage tight turnarounds and maintain meticulous attention to detail.

Position Details

Internship Title:

Community Engagement & Public Relations Intern

Department:

Strategic Initiatives

Reports to:

Communications Manager

Hours & Schedule:

10‑15 hours per week, Monday to Thursday within RBBB's main office hours (8:00 am‑4:00 pm)

Start Date:

August/September (fall season)

Program Duration:

3‑4 months (Spring, Summer or Fall semesters)

Work Environment:

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

Position Type:

Unpaid internship with eligibility for course credit documentation

Key Responsibilities
Public Relations Strategy & Execution

Support the development and execution of RBBB’s public relations 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 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 and capture photos/video clips as needed

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 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
Assist with additional communications tasks and support the RBBB team as required.

Learning & Professional Development Opportunities

Learn how to manage PR campaigns from conception to execution and the strategy behind them

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 through one‑on‑one mentorship sessions

Build your resume with real hands‑on experience and a portfolio of 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

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 assistance 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 basic understanding

Application & Screening Process

Applications are submitted via the online internship portal.

Selected applicants will be asked to attend a phone screening and may be asked to provide work samples and references.

A final round of interviews will be conducted before the candidate is selected for the role.

The entire screening process will be conducted by the Strategic Initiatives Department, including the position’s direct supervisor.

Why Intern With Read Better Be Better

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

"I have learned so much at Read Better Be Better. The most important aspect of being an intern here is being ready for anything and everything. Take every opportunity and really be in the moment."

– RBBB Fall 2025 Marketing & Communications Intern

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.

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. We invite you to read our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement on the RBBB website.

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