What are the responsibilities and job description for the COMMUNITY RELATIONS INTERN position at Phoenix Rising FC?
The community intern is a part-time role within the content and communications department at Phoenix Rising FC, the top professional soccer franchise in Arizona. Established in 2016, the club has an impressive track record, winning the 2023, 2020 and 2018 Western Conference titles, as well as the USL Championship's 2019 Regular Season title, and the 2023 USL Championship final. The team boasts one of the most passionate fan bases in USL.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Phoenix Rising FC is passionate about growing soccer in Arizona and understands the impact sports can have within the community. The ideal candidate will be reliable, represent the brand well and will be able to work under tight deadlines, including nights/weekends. The community relations intern will report to the Phoenix Rising Communications Coordinator and help with all community initiatives and communications efforts to help further establish Rising in the community (managing community email, assisting with communication with community partners, helping expand reach into the greater Phoenix area). Additionally, this role will assist with communications efforts on matchday (match recaps, quote transcriptions, media coordination, etc). This is an UNPAID position, and applicants must be in-market for the entirety of the 2026 season (October-November). This candidate will need to work some weekends and odd hours throughout the week as necessary. This is a hybrid position, with the office located in Phoenix, Arizona.
Phoenix Rising FC is passionate about growing soccer in Arizona and understands the impact sports can have within the community. The ideal candidate will be reliable, represent the brand well and will be able to work under tight deadlines, including nights/weekends. The community relations intern will report to the Phoenix Rising Communications Coordinator and help with all community initiatives and communications efforts to help further establish Rising in the community (managing community email, assisting with communication with community partners, helping expand reach into the greater Phoenix area). Additionally, this role will assist with communications efforts on matchday (match recaps, quote transcriptions, media coordination, etc). This is an UNPAID position, and applicants must be in-market for the entirety of the 2026 season (October-November). This candidate will need to work some weekends and odd hours throughout the week as necessary. This is a hybrid position, with the office located in Phoenix, Arizona.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist in managing Rising’s relationships with local community non-profits.
- Manage the club’s community email, responding to and fulfilling requests when applicable.
- Brainstorm pitches for community-based story ideas to drive additional coverage of the club throughout the week.
- Find and build relationships with sports-adjacent news desks and outlets.
- Assist in finding opportunities for the club with non-profits in the community.
- Track upcoming community projects, deadlines, awards, and milestones.
- Serve as an ambassador to community nonprofits and foundation contacts.
- Attend community events when necessary.
- Assist in planning, coordination, and execution of community programs/initiatives and theme night events.
- Assist in tracking inventory and processing donation requests.
- Help with match night responsibilities, managing the press box and local media in addition to recording and transcribing quotes.
- Additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Applicants must have a strong work ethic, good time management skills and the desire to expand their knowledge and sports business experience.
- Strong analysis, problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Adobe InDesign, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Proactive, self-starter with a positive attitude and ability to work well on a team and independently.
- Service-oriented and committed to teamwork.
- Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality with sensitive information.
- Ability to work long, irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays.
PREFERENCES:
- The ideal candidate will have, or be pursuing, a degree in communications, public relations, community relations, social work or other related field.
- 0-1 years of public relations/media relations experience.
- Knowledge of Phoenix and non-profit organizations/opportunities throughout the Valley.
- Basic familiarity with Phoenix Rising FC.
- Bilingual abilities (English with Spanish).
Phoenix Rising FC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. The club is committed to the policy of not discriminating against individuals based on race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, transgender status, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.