Community Development Internship Jobs in Arizona

INTERNSHIP ROLE DESCRIPTION

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT 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

As an RBBB Development Department Intern, you will be supervised by a designated Development Department professional who will provide mentorship, feedback, and oversight throughout your internship. You will collaborate with Development staff on projects related to grant writing, fundraising, communications, and donor stewardship. Based on departmental priorities, you may also explore projects aligned with your interests.

Internship Title

Development Department Intern

Department

Development Department

Reports to

Designated Development Department Supervisor

Hours & Schedule

A weekly commitment of 8-15 hours is required. Interns will be expected to commit to a set schedule within RBBB's main office hours of 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Start Date

January (for spring); May (for summer); August (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; possible option for hybrid

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

Communications & Marketing 

• Provide support with marketing and communication as needed.
• Social media and online fundraising: assisting with social media campaigns and online fundraising efforts by creating content, monitoring engagement, and analyzing results. 
• Assist in writing and editing newsletter articles. 

Grant Proposal Writing & Preparation 

• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals, including researching potential grant opportunities, drafting sections of proposals, and gathering necessary documentation. 

Development & Donor Stewardship 

• Provide general development team support. 
• Support efforts to cultivate relationships with potential donors through outreach activities such as phone calls, thank you cards, emails, and networking events. 
• Design and complete projects based on personal interest and organizational need.
• Perform other general duties as assigned.

Learning & Professional Development Opportunities

• Excellent role for aspiring professionals interested in communications, fundraising and non-profit work

Qualifications & Requirements

• A positive attitude  
• Detail-oriented  
• Creative problem-solver 
• Interest in and passion for the Read Better Be Better vision and mission 
• Interest in communications, organizational development and the nonprofit sector 
• Willingness to seek opportunities to develop and grow the Read Better Be Better vision and mission within the community
• Willingness to conduct themselves in accordance with organizational values

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Willing and able to learn quickly
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Strong writing skills 
• Enrollment in/having a relevant degree program preferred (i.e. marketing, public relations, nonprofit management, journalism, etc.)  
• Foundational knowledge of public relations, social media and digital content management 
• Understanding of the following platforms and applications:  Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint), Salesforce, and Slack ; Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn; Canva, Adobe Suites 

Application & Screening Process

• Applications are submitted via the online internship portal.
• Phone screen
• In-person interview

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 feel like it's a good way to give back to the community. And, while you're giving back, you also learn a lot professionally." – College Student/Former RBBB Intern

Be Excellent. Be Kind. 

Accessibility & Inclusion

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully in volunteer service. 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.