Marketing & Communications Intern: Storytelling & Journalism

Description

Job Type

Temporary, Part-Time, Volunteer/Unpaid

Duration and Time Commitment 

• Semester internship available in fall, spring, or summer 
• Minimum 12-hour schedule per week, with flexibility to choose a schedule within organization work hours 

Workplace Location

Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas has offices in Austin and San Antonio that are open for use by all staff and interns. Our interns have the flexibility to work remotely/from home but will be expected to work in-office at least one day a week. All internships require the individual to be residing in Austin or San Antonio throughout the duration of the internship period for in-person activities, such as wish reveals and fundraising events.

Internship Overview 

Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas internships are intended for college students and recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector. This internship may fulfill academic course-credit requirements through many colleges and universities, subject to the student’s institution. 

As the Storytelling & Journalism Intern, you will support the Marketing & Communications team in identifying, researching, and developing stories that introduce audiences to wish children, families, volunteers, donors, and community partners. You will gain experience adapting stories for organizational channels and preparing accurate, audience-ready information for television, radio, print, and digital publications. This role is well suited for a strong writer who is curious, thoughtful, detail-oriented, and interested in journalism, public relations, or nonprofit storytelling. 

Job Description 

Related fields include but are not limited to: Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, Media, Public Relations, Radio-Television-Film, and related writing or media programs. 

Primary Responsibilities 

• Support wish storytelling for newsletters, website features, donor communications, social media, press releases, media pitches, and other marketing materials. This is a primary focus of the internship. 
• Research story opportunities and gather accurate background information from approved internal sources and interviews coordinated by staff. 
• Draft and edit stories in multiple formats and lengths while following Make-A-Wish voice, brand, privacy, and storytelling standards. 
• Help prepare media materials, including 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. 

About Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring the power of wishing to every eligible child because each step of the wish journey can help children build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, serving children in every community in the United States and in nearly 50 countries worldwide. Together, generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 30,000 volunteers across the U.S. unite to deliver hope to wish kids and their families when they need it most. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 500,000 wishes worldwide; more than 340,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories alone. The Central & South Texas chapter was founded in 1985 and has since granted more than 5,000 wishes in its 40-county territory. To learn more, please visit www.wish.org/cstx.

Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas Belonging & CommUNITY Statement

As a nonprofit whose mission is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, we are committed to ensuring every child, family member, volunteer, staff member, intern, and supporter that interacts with us can be their true and authentic self, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, faith, religion, age, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We serve a diverse group of children and families, and we strive to make sure each feels seen, heard, and understood - not only through our own actions but by filling our organization with people from all walks of life. We not only welcome differences, we celebrate them. Every person involved in wish granting has a part to play to promote inclusion. We understand that there will always be work to be done, and we will continue to create an environment of belonging and commUNITY so that we can equitably grant the wish of every eligible child.

Requirements

Ideal Candidate 

The ideal candidate is a strong and adaptable writer who approaches personal stories with care, accuracy, and respect. They should be self-motivated, organized, comfortable conducting research, receptive to feedback, and able to meet deadlines. Strong verbal communication and sound judgment are important because the role may involve sensitive information and coordination with staff, families, media contacts, and community partners. 

Preferred Experience and Skills 

• 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 is encouraged 
• Experience with Microsoft 365, content management systems, media databases, photography, audio, or video is helpful but not required 

What You Will Gain 

• 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 

Application Requirements

• Resume, cover letter and writing sample uploaded on this application.
• Incomplete applications (missing cover letter, required experience samples, etc.) will not be considered for review.