• Assist in creating and curating engaging content for our social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Substack.
• Help develop a cohesive look and feel for our brand across all social media channels.
• Collaborate with the team to plan and execute social media campaigns that promote our programs and events.
• Analyze social media metrics to determine the effectiveness of campaigns and suggest improvements.
• Participate in staff meetings and contribute ideas for expanding our outreach and impact.
• Create and curate engaging content for our social media channels, including Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Substack.
• Plan and execute social media campaigns that promote our programs and events, amplifying our mission.
• Contribute fresh ideas in team meetings to enhance our outreach efforts and community engagement.

Desired Traits and Qualifications:

• Passion for literacy education and social equity.
• A love of books
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Creativity and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and best practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite) is a plus, but not required.

• Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience.
• A work sample that demonstrates your ability to create content with a bright and happy vibe, such as social media posts, graphics, or any relevant projects is appreciated but not required

• The total stipend of $1,000 will be paid out in three equal installments over the course of the internship.

• Hands-on experience in building brand identity and social media strategy within a nonprofit context.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in underserved communities.
• Mentorship from experienced professionals in a grassroots nonprofit environment.

Communications & Urban Planning Intern with the City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department

In partnership with the University of Arizona-Supported Summer 2026 Internship program

Organization’s Information
City of Tucson Planning and Development Services (PDSD)
201 North Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85726-7210
www.tucsonaz.gov/pdsd

Organization’s Mission Statement
The mission of the City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors and enhance the quality of life in Tucson through professional planning, site and building review, and inspection services. To ensure Tucson is a sustainable, well-designed, and prosperous community with a business-friendly environment. More information on how PDSD is working to serve the residents of Tucson can be found at:
• PDSD website
• Plan Tucson Update
• Current and Previous Planning Initiatives

General Position Description
The Urban Planning Intern within PDSD will join the Long-Range Planning Division to support either the Public Information or Planning teams.

PDSD’s Long Range Planning Division works to advance goals of sustainability, equity, economic growth, and vibrant, livable neighborhoods through corridor and place-based initiatives and special projects. General long-range planning projects include code amendments, public outreach, long-range planning projects like the city’s general plan, special districts, entitlements (re-zonings), and long-range planning initiatives such as Plan Tucson, and historic preservation. These initiatives implement the goals of Plan Tucson and provide an opportunity for community members to shape the future of their city. Join the team that shapes our city!

The Public Information team represents the entire department, including current planning, inspections, and customer service. As part of this team, the intern would support key objectives, such as clear and compelling communication. Joining this award-winning communications team will provide the intern with experience in key areas, including website management, video production, and other marketing projects.

The Urban Planning Intern will work to achieve the priority goals of PDSD’s outreach and engagement efforts. This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment. The selected individual must be able to manage multiple work assignments and be comfortable working with members of the public.

Summer interns may also support the current planning and code enforcement teams, as well as other special projects, as their skills and project needs align. Let us know if you have specific interests.

Essential Functions
The Communications and Urban Planning Interns will be introduced to the overall functions of the Long-range Planning Division. The specific internship tasks will be a blend of the interns' interests and the needs of the department. Tasks may include:
• Auditing the website and other materials and suggesting revisions for precise and consistent messaging and instructions on urban planning processes;
• Support public meetings and outreach by attending public meetings, taking notes and integrating feedback into proposed policies;
• Interact with the public by attending public meetings; may present information and respond to questions from the public;
• Conduct urban planning related research and analysis related to urban issues such as climate change, housing needs, transportation, economic development and other topics;
• Examine data and indicators related to urban development, economic development, housing, transportation and others;
• Create public outreach and marketing materials such as maps, handouts, reports, videos, and presentations;
• Research and compile best practices and successful programs implemented in other municipalities;
• Finalizing databases with measurables of special district projects to help determine their impact.
• Become familiar with Unified Development Code and other land use regulations; gain understanding of how these regulations shape urban development by assisting with development applications;
• Drafting of agendas and meeting summaries for the City of Tucson’s Design Review Board and the Infill Incentive District Design Review Committee;
• Attending meetings with the Tucson-Pima Historical Commission, the Planning Commission, the Zoning Examiner and the Rio Nuevo Board, and preparing summaries for staff;
• Attending public meetings and technical meetings with City staff from various departments to discuss Plan Tucson, Infill Incentive District update, FTA grant for Rapid Transit System, Transit Plan, and Corridor Plans;

Qualifications
Minimum:
• Interns must either have an internship requirement for their degree plan, be getting course credit, or be eligible for the UA summer internship stipend (https://career.arizona.edu/experiences/summer-internship-stipends/). Please indicate which of these apply to you on your application.
• Summer interns must be able to work during business hours (Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) in the office located in downtown Tucson, with the possibility of some evenings and weekends
• Summer interns must be able to use their personal laptop and UA email, and Microsoft Office products.

Preferred:
• Interest in urban planning or public relations, or related fields such as geography, architecture, public policy, data analysis, real estate, development, marketing, advertising, business management, journalism, or media
• Ability to work with the general public and staff, both virtually and in-person, in a collaborative manner.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft, Adobe, and GIS applications.

Other Details:
This position is unpaid, and interns are encouraged to receive outside compensation (such as the UA SIP program linked above) or fulfill a degree requirement or receive independent study credits as reciprocity. This position is not eligible for City of Tucson employee benefits. The position is part- or full-time. Start and end dates and a weekly schedule are flexible and can be determined with the intern at the start of the internship.

Deadline to apply:
January 4th, 2026. Applications are reviewed as received. Applicants interested in using the UA SIP funding are encouraged to apply early.

Primary Contacts
Amanda Smith, Lead Planner, Amanda.smith@tucsonaz.gov  

Communications & Marketing Student Assistant

Do you enjoy storytelling through writing and social media? Love designing things or taking pictures? Interested in helping plan events or lead tours? Want to learn and contribute to branding and communications strategy? 

We are looking for exceptional students to join our Public Affairs team at the BIO5 Institute (bio5.org). BIO5 is a collaborative scientific research enterprise on the University of Arizona campus that combines ‘5’ unique academic disciplines to promote the discovery of bold solutions to some of today’s most prominent biological challenges. 

This is a professional position that will be an excellent experience to build your resume, add real-world projects to your portfolio, and be closely mentored by staff. You will learn a lot, work hard, and have fun as part of a motivated, creative team. Students play a key role at the BIO5 Institute and have the exciting opportunity to learn about and promote the meaningful impact of BIO5 research to the public. 

We are looking for students interested in expanding their skills in the following areas:

• Marketing
• Communications
• Events & Tours
• Multimedia, including Graphic Design & Video

The Communications & Marketing Student Assistant will work directly with members of the BIO5 Public Affairs team, from communications to graphic design and events. You might work on a variety of projects, including but not limited to, stories, newsletters, social media, web content, multimedia, print and digital marketing, and promotional collateral. You will also help coordinate BIO5 event and tour activities with responsibilities to include working with vendors in catering and event set-up, arranging venues, coordinating registration, assisting with event promotion and metric reporting, and leading tours. 

Requirements:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must want to learn and work hard – this is a professional position
• Ability to work independently AND in groups
• Outstanding work ethic and character
• Desire to be resourceful and ask questions
• Punctual and responsible
• Friendly and team-oriented
• Ability to work asynchronously through Microsoft Teams and in-person at the BIO5 Office
• Willingness to make active contributions to team meetings and department objectives
• Ability to thrive in a busy environment with multiple projects
• Confidently and professionally interact with University of Arizona faculty, researchers, community VIPs, and senior staff

This position involves:

• One year commitment as University of Arizona student (undergraduate or graduate)
• Approximately 20-25 hours/week, normally between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday-Friday
• Flexible schedule, with occasional weekend or evening hours

In your cover letter, please include:

• Areas of marketing and communications you are interested in working in
• Any interest and/or experience in photography, videography or graphic design
• Your availability for fall 2025 and spring 2026 semester
• If you are available to work in summer 2026

We will be hiring on rolling basis in late fall 2025 into spring 2026.  Please apply through Handshake (Job ID 10458924). Any questions, please reach out BIO5’s senior manager of communications & content, Caroline Bartelme (carolinemosley@arizona.edu). 

ABOUT ORGANIZATION

Part of the International Association of Language and Social Psychology, the International Conference on Language and Social Psychology (ICLASP) seeks to bring together scholars worldwide to explore the social psychology of language, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance research on the role of communication in society. The 19th biennial ICLASP will be held in Tucson, Arizona in May 2026. The four-day summit (May 19-22, 2026) will include plenary talks, research presentations, and networking activities for students and scholars. 

Association website: https://www.ialsp.org/ 

ICLASP19-Tucson conference website: https://sites.google.com/view/iclasp19-tucson 

ABOUT INTERNSHIP

We are seeking an intern who will assist our planning team in curating a positive experience for attendees of the conference through public relations and communications efforts. Broad duties include: 

• Developing and implementing public relations activities.
  • Help the team develop and enact public relations strategies to aid the image and success of the conference. Identify target audiences, communication channels, and effective messaging strategies to enhance interest, participation, and positive responses to the conference.
• Create media content for ICLASP19-Tucson.
  • Help the team regularly create promotional and informational content (by means of text, photography, videography, etc.) to share via social media and other communication channels (e.g., conference website, email lists, etc.) before, during, and after the conference.
• Assist with various communications efforts and other event planning tasks.
  • Regularly consult with committee members to ensure the timely dissemination of conference messages and announcements. Assist with various event-planning projects as needed to ensure conference attendees have a positive experience.

In addition to being able to effectively execute such tasks, the intern will ideally display the following qualities:

• Highly motivated, engaged, self-starter
• Professional communication skills
• Effective time management
• Technology skills
• Collaborative team member
• Exceptional executive assistant

Organization Supervisor: Margaret Pitts, mjpitts@arizona.edu 

Internship Duration: August-December, 2025 (Fall 2025 with opportunity to continue in Spring 2026 and Summer 2026) 

Hours Per Week: ~8-9 hours per week (approximately 135 hours of work per semester) 

Compensation: 3 academic credits per semester toward Communication or Public Relations degree programs at the University of Arizona 

INTERN APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona
• Applicants should submit the following documents to Margaret Pitts (Organization Supervisor, mjpitts@arizona.edu) and Shelby Carter (Team Project Manager, shelbyncarter@arizona.edu):
  1. A current unofficial transcript
  2. A current resume
  3. A brief cover letter (up to 1 page of text, single spaced) describing your interest in the position and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your potential to be an effective intern
  4. Contact information for 2-3 recommenders (such as current or previous employer, advisor, teacher, etc. who can confirm your capability for the position)

Questions regarding the position may be directed to Margaret Pitts (Organization Supervisor, mjpitts@arizona.edu) and Shelby Carter (Team Project Manager, shelbyncarter@arizona.edu).

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Part of the International Association of Language and Social Psychology, the International Conference on Language and Social Psychology (ICLASP) seeks to bring together scholars worldwide to explore the social psychology of language, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance research on the role of communication in society. The 19th biennial ICLASP will be held in Tucson, Arizona in May 2026. The four-day summit (May 19-22, 2026) will include plenary talks, research presentations, and networking activities for students and scholars. 

Association website: https://www.ialsp.org/

ICLASP19-Tucson conference website: https://sites.google.com/view/iclasp19-tucson

ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP:

We are seeking an intern who will assist our planning team in curating a positive experience for attendees of the conference through public relations and communications efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Broad duties include: 

• Developing and implementing public relations activities.
  • Help the team develop and enact public relations strategies to aid the image and success of the conference. Identify target audiences, communication channels, and effective messaging strategies to enhance interest, participation, and positive responses to the conference.
• Create media content for ICLASP19-Tucson.
  • Help the team regularly create promotional and informational content (by means of text, photography, videography, etc.) to share via social media and other communication channels (e.g., conference website, email lists, etc.) before, during, and after the conference.
• Assist with various communications efforts and other event planning tasks.
  • Regularly consult with committee members to ensure the timely dissemination of conference messages and announcements. Assist with various event-planning projects as needed to ensure conference attendees have a positive experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to being able to effectively execute such tasks, the intern will ideally display the following qualities:

• Highly motivated, engaged, self-starter
• Professional communication skills
• Effective time management
• Technology skills
• Collaborative team member
• Exceptional executive assistant

SUPERVISOR:

Margaret Pitts, mjpitts@arizona.edu

DURATION:

August-December, 2025 (Fall 2025 with opportunity to continue in Spring 2026 and Summer 2026) 

HOURS:

~8-9 hours per week (approximately 135 hours of work per semester) 

COMPENSATION:

3 academic credits per semester toward Communication or Public Relations degree programs at the University of Arizona 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must be an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona
• Applicants should submit the following documents to Margaret Pitts (Organization Supervisor, mjpitts@arizona.edu) and Shelby Carter (Team Project Manager, shelbyncarter@arizona.edu):
  1. A current unofficial transcript
  2. A current resume
  3. A brief cover letter (up to 1 page of text, single spaced) describing your interest in the position and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your potential to be an effective intern
  4. Contact information for 2-3 recommenders (such as current or previous employer, advisor, teacher, etc. who can confirm your capability for the position)

Questions regarding the position may be directed to Margaret Pitts (Organization Supervisor, mjpitts@arizona.edu) and Shelby Carter (Team Project Manager, shelbyncarter@arizona.edu).

ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP:

The Marketing & Communications Associate will play a pivotal role in shaping and disseminating the public communications of Council Member Perez. This role is ideal for a creative self-starter who understands the importance of voice and timing in civic storytelling. The intern will support both executive communications and marketing efforts, ensuring that the Council Member's voice and messages effectively reach and resonate with the Ward 5 community and the greater Tucson area.

ABOUT COUNCIL MEMBER ROCQUE PEREZ:

Council Member Rocque Perez was appointed to represent Tucson's Ward 5 in May 2025, becoming one of the youngest individuals to serve on the City Council and one of few to assume office and openly identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. A Tucson native, Perez brings a strong background in education advocacy, having served as Executive Director of the Metro Education Commission. His work has centered on expanding access to education, promoting healthy living, and advancing civic participation. Perez is committed to Mayor and Council’s comprehensive vision of community well-being—supporting residents across all stages of life through a continuum of care that addresses health, education, housing, and economic opportunity.

DURATION:

July 1 to December 1, 2025

LOCATION:

Tucson, AZ (Hybrid: Remote and In-Office)

COMPENSATION:

Paid Internship (Hourly); Academic Credit Available

HOURLY RATE:

15-30 Hours Weekly; $17-20 an hour

KEY RESPONSIBILITES:

• Manage and grow the Council Member's presence on platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Tik Tok, aligning content with ward interests and engagement.
• Create branded materials (flyers, visuals, signage) for projects like participatory budgeting, community events, and town halls.
• Capture and edit photography and video content for social media and other communications channels.
• Contribute to newsletter and other email outputs.
• Assist in organizing press releases and collaborating with City communications staff and local outlets.
• Utilize AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to enhance content creation and streamline communication processes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong writing and editing skills, with an adaptable tone suitable for various audiences.
• Experience or coursework in marketing, journalism, political science, public relations, or related fields.
• Proficiency in graphic design and content creation tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Experience with photography and video editing for social media platforms.
• Familiarity with AI tools like ChatGPT for content development.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:

• Mentorship and experience working directly with an elected official and City Hall staff.
• Real-world experience in shaping narratives within local government.
• A portfolio of written, visual, and strategic communication projects.
• Involvement in policy, community investment, and civic engagement efforts that make an immediate impact.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a résumé, a brief letter of interest, and at least one writing and one design
sample to lupita.robles@tucsonaz.gov by June 30, 2025.