JOB TITLE: Communications & Storytelling Intern

Location: Hybrid (on-site in Durham + remote work possible)
Part-Time Employment: (10 – 15 hours per week w/ flexibility around academic commitments)

Internship Dates:

• August 2025 – December 2025 (Fall Semester)
• August 2025 – May 2026 (Academic Year | Fall & Spring Semesters)

Student U is a community organization that uses education to build a just and equitable Durham. We empower and equip first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and their educators to become the leaders that will transform our city for the better. We support this transformation with an approach that combines three key elements: our whole-families approach to college access and success programming; our place as an innovation hub for developing and sharing best practices in education; and our commitment to supporting student- and family-led advocacy and change efforts in our city. Together, we’re creating a Durham where all students succeed. Employees at Student U believe all students can achieve greatness. Together, through intentional staff collaboration and community partnerships, we work tirelessly to make the fearless dreams of our students come true. 

Position Purpose and Value:

The Communications & Storytelling Intern (CSI) will work to present Student U’s mission, values, vision, and programming to the internal and external Student U community. This position reports to the  Communications Coordinator and will work closely with Student U’s Advancement team and Programming Team to uplift the voices of students and families, support Student U’s digital presence, and bring creative ideas to life.

This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to apply and grow communications skills across marketing, storytelling, digital content, and design. This position will support in the development, designing of content for, and maintenance of the Student U social media accounts and also be responsible in supporting community (students, families, partners, etc.) story collection along with the creation of storytelling content and support in the design of needed digital and print materials. The CSI will ensure all components of Student U communications align with Student U’s Core Values and make a positive contribution to Student U’s image.

Responsibilities:

Content Creation & Storytelling (50%)

• Write and edit original content for newsletters, blog posts, and social media
• Capture and edit photography and video content during events and programs
• Support authentic storytelling by spotlighting Student U students, families, and educators
• Assist in designing print and digital marketing materials (flyers, posters, presentations)
• Contribute to weekly social media planning and support platform engagement

Digital Marketing & Design (30%)

• Audit the Student U website, blog, and social media for content integrity and engagement
• Review and edit visual materials to ensure they are consistent with Student U’s values and brand
• Meet communication and marketing needs to build awareness in the community and strengthen marketing efforts
• Support in the organization and management of Student U’s internal media archive of photos and video

Campaign Support & Collaboration (15%)

• Support recruitment and event campaigns by developing creative content
• Collaborate with Advancement and Program teams on communications needs
• Brainstorm and pitch innovative ideas for content and student/family features

Professional Development & Creative Ownership (5%)

• Lead 1–2 self-identified or co-developed creative projects from concept to execution
• Receive mentorship and feedback from the Communications and Marketing Manager 
• Attend occasional staff-wide meetings or trainings to grow organizational awareness

Learning Goals & Outcomes:

By the end of the internship, the CSI should be able to:

• Build and refine a creative portfolio that includes written, visual, and digital work
• Understand the Student U identity and apply consistent style across platforms
• Gain experience using visual tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe, photography, video editing)
• Effectively navigate and manage nonprofit communications and adhere to set deadlines and collaboration efforts
• Conduct interviews and write mission-aligned content that centers community voice
•  Execute a self-led creative campaign from concept to impact
• Manage digital files, plan content calendars, and contribute to cross-team strategy
• Grow as a communicator, storyteller, and creative professional

Qualifications: 

An ideal candidate is curious, collaborative, and passionate about using media to make an impact. This is a great opportunity for students interested in media, nonprofit storytelling, education, journalism, marketing, or digital design. Demonstrated interest in working within a non-profit or in the field of education is preferred. Candidates must believe that all students can succeed and be willing to grow and develop with the organization as Student U strives to realize its ambitious goals.

Values, Personality Traits, and Competencies:

• Currently enrolled college student with an interest in communications, design, journalism, education, and/or nonprofit leadership
• A deep personal belief that all students can succeed and a willingness to work with students and families to make college a viable reality for all Student U students / Commitment to the Student U mission and core values.
• Interest in photography, videography, and/or graphic design
• Committed to developing into a strong communicator, and seeking growth with written, presentation, oral communication and attention to detail
• Familiarity with social media platforms and storytelling best practices
• Organized, self-motivated, and eager to learn
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural humility
• Strong leadership, personal initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Interest and/or experience in interviewing/storytelling and ability to develop strong relationships of trust with students, families, and staff.
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or social media scheduling tools (preferred but not required)
• Experience with Student U or Durham Public Schools (preferred not required)
• Fluent Spanish speaker/writer (preferred not required)
• A writing/storytelling or prior video production sample will be requested of those applicants who are selected to move forward in the process.  (may be classwork or personal projects)

Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity: Student U is committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to our mission. Student U does not discriminate in any way, including, but not limited to discrimination by age, gender, disability, race, nationality, sexuality, gender identification, and gender expression.