Marketing and Communications Intern

Education Forward Arizona is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and creative Marketing & Communications Intern to play an active role in executing and strengthening our digital communications strategy.

This internship is ideal for a student or recent graduate who is eager to build real-world experience, contribute meaningful work, and develop a strong professional portfolio in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

What to Expect

• Timeline: September – December 2026 (exact dates flexible), with the opportunity to extend
• Schedule: Part-time, approximately 20 hours per week Location: Onsite at our office in the Phoenix Arcadia area Compensation: $20 per hour
• Supervision: Direct mentorship from the Director of Marketing & Communications Work
• Style: A mix of collaborative projects and independent, deadline-driven work

This is a hands-on internship for someone who is ready to take initiative, manage multiple assignments, and contribute ideas.

Key Responsibilities

• Create engaging, audience-focused content for Education Forward Arizona’s digital channels, including social media, blog posts, newsletters, and campaign materials.
• Pitch and help execute creative social media campaign ideas aligned with organizational priorities.
• Design polished, on-brand graphics for social media using Canva (and Adobe tools, if applicable).
• Capture, edit, and publish short-form video content for TikTok and Instagram Reels.
• Assist with day-to-day social media management, including scheduling posts, monitoring performance, and engaging with followers and relevant accounts.
• Take high-quality photos and videos at events or in-office as needed.
• Conduct research and assist with reporting on social media and marketing performance.
• Provide general administrative and project support to the marketing and communications team.

Ideal Qualifications

• We are looking for candidates who already have a foundation of skills and are ready to grow quickly.
• Undergraduate or graduate student, or recent graduate, studying communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, digital media, film, graphic design, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in marketing, communications, or digital storytelling (class projects, internships, student orgs, or personal projects count).
• Strong writing and editing skills with an eye for tone, clarity, and audience.
• Comfortable creating and appearing in short-form video content for TikTok and Instagram Reels.
• Experience with Canva required; familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, follow through on assignments, and ask thoughtful questions.
• High level of professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Creative, proactive, and willing to take feedback and iterate.
• Genuine interest in education, public policy, advocacy, or mission-driven work is strongly preferred.

What Will Set You Apart

• A portfolio or examples of social media posts, graphics, videos, or writing samples.
• Prior internship, freelance, or campus organization experience in marketing or communications.
• Demonstrated ability to balance school, work, and deadlines successfully.

How to Apply

• Please submit the following to info@educationforwardarizona.org, addressed to Isabel Esquivel, Director of Marketing & Communications:
• Resume
• Cover letter explaining:
• Why you are interested in this internship
• What skills you would bring to the role
• What you hope to gain from the experience

3. Links to relevant work samples or a portfolio

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About the Organization

Education Forward Arizona is a statewide education advocacy organization dedicated to championing education as the key driver to improving Arizona’s economy and quality of life. Education Forward Arizona serves as the leading voice for promoting the state’s Achieve60AZ education attainment goal and a shared action plan to move the goals of the Arizona Education Progress Meter forward.

The organization’s focus also includes mobilizing people and communities to advocate for policies and funding to improve educational outcomes across the Pre-K to postsecondary continuum and providing scholarships and programs that improve postsecondary attainment for Arizona’s diverse student population. Learn more at EducationForwardArizona.org.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria and general work performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills for this job. Education Forward Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. It is a strongly held value of the organization that opportunity is not limited by gender, race, class, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

All candidates will be evaluated on a merit basis.