Marketing & Communications Intern: Storytelling & Journalism

Make-A-Wish Foundation • Austin, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Storytelling & Journalism Intern supports the Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas Marketing & Communications team in identifying, researching, and developing stories about wish children, families, volunteers, donors, and community partners. The intern adapts stories for organizational channels and prepares accurate, audience-ready information for television, radio, print, and digital publications. The role is suited to a strong, curious, thoughtful, detail-oriented writer interested in journalism, public relations, or nonprofit storytelling.

This semester internship is available in fall, spring, or summer and requires at least 12 hours per week, with flexibility to choose a schedule within organization work hours. Interns may work remotely but are expected to work in an office at least one day per week. The intern must reside in Austin or San Antonio throughout the internship for in-person activities, including wish reveals and fundraising events. The internship is intended for college students and recent graduates and may fulfill academic course-credit requirements, subject to the student's institution.

Requirements

• Be a college student or recent graduate; related fields include Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, Media, Public Relations, Radio-Television-Film, or related writing or media programs.
• Be a strong and adaptable writer who approaches personal stories with care, accuracy, and respect.
• Be self-motivated and organized, comfortable conducting research, receptive to feedback, and able to meet deadlines.
• Have strong verbal communication and sound judgment when handling sensitive information and coordinating with staff, families, media contacts, and community partners.
• Reside in Austin or San Antonio throughout the internship period.
• Commit to a minimum of 12 hours per week and work in-office at least one day per week.
• Submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample; incomplete applications will not be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Writing or editing experience through coursework, a student publication, broadcast media, public relations, a portfolio, or a similar setting.
• Interest in journalism, media relations, interviewing, research, copywriting, and mission-centered storytelling.
• Ability to adapt one story for different audiences and formats without losing accuracy or the subject's voice.
• Familiarity with AP style.
• Experience with Microsoft 365, content management systems, media databases, photography, audio, or video.

Responsibilities

• Support wish storytelling for newsletters, website features, donor communications, social media, press releases, media pitches, and other marketing materials.
• Research story opportunities and gather accurate background information from approved internal sources and staff-coordinated interviews.
• Draft and edit stories in multiple formats and lengths, following organizational voice, brand, privacy, and storytelling standards.
• Help prepare press releases, media alerts, pitches, talking points, fact sheets, interview briefs, and story summaries.
• Research relevant television, radio, print, and digital media outlets, reporters, producers, programs, and editorial opportunities across Central and South Texas.
• Assist with packaging stories and supporting materials for media outreach, including approved photos, video, background information, and interview details.
• Support interview preparation and, when appropriate, attend media opportunities, wish experiences, and events with staff.
• Proofread and fact-check communications for accuracy, clarity, grammar, consistency, and alignment with organizational messaging.
• Help organize story leads, media contacts, coverage, approved assets, and related communications materials.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience producing mission-centered communications for a regional nonprofit organization.
• Portfolio-ready work developed through real projects and professional feedback.
• Experience collaborating with marketing, fundraising, program, volunteer, and community-facing teams.
• A stronger understanding of ethical storytelling, brand standards, audience needs, and nonprofit communications.
• The internship may fulfill academic course-credit requirements, subject to the student's institution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed