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.
- Applicants who are selected to move on 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 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.
"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
Be Excellent. Be Kind.
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 on the RBBB website.