Media and Communications Intern

Fall 2026 Media and Communications Intern

and the job listing Expires on August 24, 2026

Location:

Austin, TX

Part-time (10-17 hours/week) | Compensation:
Students (Earning Class Credit): $825/semester stipend

At Life Works, our mission is to solve youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce programs. We believe every young person deserves a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love. Our team walks alongside youth on their journeys toward stability and independence, always centering their voices and strengths.

Life Works is looking for a Media & Communications Intern to join our dynamic Mar Com team in Austin, TX for the Fall 2026 semester. This role is built for someone who wants hands-on experience in media relations — helping us maintain and grow our media contacts, monitor coverage, and think strategically about how Life Works shows up in the press.

You’ll spend the bulk of your time supporting media strategy and outreach, with a strong secondary focus on research (best practices, new ideas, emerging opportunities), and additional exposure to social, written, and internal content creation. This is a great fit for someone curious about journalism, PR, or nonprofit communications who wants real reps working with reporters, media lists, and coverage tracking.

This is a collaborative role designed for someone who is curious, analytical, and committed to social impact.

• Maintain and update our media contact database — adding new reporters, verifying outlet and beat information, and flagging outdated contacts.
• Draft media releases, media advisories, and pitch materials for review.
• Support day-to-day media monitoring: tracking mentions, running PR monitoring tools, Google Alerts, and social listening for Life Works and related topics.
• Help develop and refine media pitch angles and outreach strategy alongside the Marketing & Communications team.
• Assist in preparing media lists and outreach plans for upcoming campaigns, events, and announcements.
• Track earned media coverage and help compile media reports.
• Support development and execution of a visibility plan for Life Works and CEO Liz Schoenfeld, including identifying speaking, media, and profile-building opportunities.

• Research nonprofit media relations and communications best practices.
• Identify new media opportunities, outlets, journalists, and story angles relevant to Life Works’ work.
• Synthesize findings into clear, actionable recommendations for the team.

• Assist with press events and broader organizational events, including logistics, coordination, and on-site support.
• Assist with social media assets, written materials (emails, announcements, internal content), and design/collateral support as needed.
• Help with internal communications and initiative support as capacity allows.

• Hands-on experience in nonprofit media relations, including writing releases and advisories, media list management, and pitch strategy.
• Exposure to executive visibility planning and media monitoring tools.
• Experience supporting press and organizational events from planning through execution.
• Research and analytical skills and practice turning insights into actionable recommendations.
• Additional experience across social media, written content, and internal communications.
• A behind-the-scenes look at how media strategy supports a mission-driven organization.

• Current student in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, English, or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong attention to detail and grammar.
• Familiarity with social media platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or intranet platforms is a plus.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Self-starter with a collaborative spirit.
• Discretion in handling confidential information.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and eager to learn.