Public Relations Intern

TITLE: Public Relations Intern
STATUS: Seasonal (May 26-September 4, 2026), Full-Time
LOCATION: In-Person
REPORTS TO: Public Relations and Communications Coordinator
DEPARTMENT: Marketing
COMPENSATION: $3150 stipend tax-exempt, scholarships available
BENEFITS (SUMMER ONLY): Housing, three meals a day, free access to classes, performances, talks, and studio usage. Travel stipend provided ranging from $0-$500. 
SCHEDULE: (6) Day work week averaging 48-55 hrs

POSITION OVERVIEW

Jacob's Pillow seeks a proactive and detail-oriented Public Relations Intern to support the organization's PR, communications, and publicity efforts to enhance its brand visibility and reputation. Reporting to the Public Relations & Communications Coordinator, this intern will assist with all aspects of securing, tracking, and archiving media coverage on Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival while managing the composition of weekly press releases, compilation of press kits for media, and other print and digital materials as assigned.

The Public Relations Intern will have continuous learning opportunities and advanced exposure which may include the areas of content creation and graphic design, analytics, and reporting, public relations, branding and style, marketing strategy, and more.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Copywriting Support
  • Assist in composing and managing communications with Jacob’s Pillow press members
  • Write weekly press releases and contribute to the development of story pitching strategies
  • Proofread written materials and collaborate with department members to ensure timely final production
  • Draft messaging for online use on behalf of Jacob's Pillow and/or Artistic Director
     
• Company Artist and Media Relations Support
  • Attend weekly orientation meetings to share out press needs and timeline with companies
  • Assist with conducting artist identification photos for Festival artists across all stages
  • Develop, organize, and photo ID assets for various press image galleries
  • Track weekly press attendees for performances and retrieve press tickets from box office
  • Assemble press kits and manage their distribution to press members
  • Welcome press to campus daily for events and ticket pick-up
  • Attend weekly dress rehearsals to answer performance-related questions from press
     
• Tracking and Documentation Support
  • Update master media lists and conduct research for new contacts
  • Maintain clippings, archives, and tracking systems for press coverage and activities
  • Cross check and search for discrepancies between company roster, print programs, and other material
     
• On-Campus and Event Support
  • Develop and execute targeted promotions as part of the Marketing team
  • On occasion: Give public tours and work in the Box Office at Will Call
  • Participate in community outreach efforts
  • Assist with on- and off-site marketing events
  • Handle various administrative duties as assigned
  • As a member of the intern class, you will be required to participate in general festival-related duties that aim to broaden your scope and understanding of the various arts administration roles that exist within this field as time allows and requirements evolve. These will include but are not limited to giving campus tours, golf carting patrons, handing out tickets at will call and other ways to interact with guests, moving chairs, setting up for events, errands, and transporting artists. Training will be provided prior to participation in these activities, and while these duties will be a part of your overall experience, you will still spend the majority of your time within your primary assigned role.
  • 5-8 hours a week will be dedicated to participating in weekly seminars, career building conversations, attending dance classes, lectures, and performances. 

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong attention to detail and proficiency in grammar and syntax
• Organized and effective time manager that is comfortable meeting deadlines
• Ability to prioritize and carry out multiple projects concurrently 
• Willingness to be a pleasant verbal communicator and foster positive relationships with stakeholders
• Willingness to learn, grow, and adapt in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong interest in a communications role within an arts and culture organization
• Strong interest in developing interpersonal skills, writing skills, and documentation skills
• Knowledge of the dance field is a plus; Journalism, English, Public Relations, Communications, and Marketing majors are encouraged to apply.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Written and verbal communication
• Relationship building
• Time management 
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Committed to a culture of continuous learning and growth, with a focus on advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Belonging efforts, while fostering a welcoming, equitable, and supportive environment where everyone feels valued.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Office setting: Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time, moving within the office space as necessary. Shared working space with others in close proximity. 
• Limited access to air conditioning in summer months in accommodations and office spaces. 
• Frequent interruptions.
• Working semi-regularly outdoors in all weather conditions, including inclement weather.
• Working semi-regularly in wooded areas with exposure to native wildlife, including, but not limited to, rodents, ticks, and mosquitos.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.

*Not sure you meet 100% of the qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria, but women tend to apply only if they meet 100% of them. Yet, people who are systematically marginalized tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. We encourage you to apply if you believe you could excel in this role. Please use your cover letter to tell us about what you hope to bring to this role. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you're returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Video and/or audio applications are welcome (though not required), in addition to written expressions of interest.
• Interview Stages:
  • (1) A 30-minute virtual interview with direct supervisor to discuss the candidate's interest in the internship, availability, basic qualifications, and any experience with PR & Communications. This is also an opportunity for the candidate to ask questions about the role and Jacob's Pillow.
  • (2) A 45-minuter virtual interview with the direct supervisor and 1-2 other members of the Pillow Marketing team to review PR & Communications and explore how the candidate approaches various scenarios and projects.
  • (3) If needed, the direct supervisor may request a third 20-30 minute virtual interview with either just the supervisor or the supervisor and Director of Marketing to clarify experience or skills and finalize fit for the role.
• Additional Documents:
  • Candidate must include one writing sample/excerpt with their application (maximum two pages each). Applications submitted without a writing sample are considered incomplete.
  • Additional portfolio (if available) is encouraged, but not required.
  • Final round applicants may be asked to complete an original writing assignment.
• Accessibility Accommodations:
  • Should you require any accommodations to facilitate your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hr@jacobspillow.org. We are committed to providing support throughout the application journey, whether that’s through email, a phone conversation, or a video call.