What are the responsibilities and job description for the MEDIA RELATIONS INTERN position at Phoenix Rising FC?
The media relations 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 can be counted on to work under tight deadlines, including nights/weekends. The media relations intern will report to the Phoenix Rising Communications Coordinator and help with both midweek match preparation (match notes, media coordination, preparing pitches) as well as match night responsibilities (match recaps, transcribing quotes, etc). This is an UNPAID position, and applicants must be in-market for the entirety of the 2026 season (March-October). This candidate will need to work some weekends and odd hours throughout the week. This is 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 can be counted on to work under tight deadlines, including nights/weekends. The media relations intern will report to the Phoenix Rising Communications Coordinator and help with both midweek match preparation (match notes, media coordination, preparing pitches) as well as match night responsibilities (match recaps, transcribing quotes, etc). This is an UNPAID position, and applicants must be in-market for the entirety of the 2026 season (March-October). This candidate will need to work some weekends and odd hours throughout the week. This is hybrid position, with the office located in Phoenix, Arizona.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist with weekly match notes.
- Help log all PRFC media hits.
- Brainstorm story pitches, identifying opportunities to showcase players, statistics or club highlights.
- Identify potential outlets for both soccer and soccer-adjacent stories.
- Help with press releases, media advisories and other media materials when necessary.
- Assist in managing the credential process.
- Build and maintain current media lists.
- Assist in staying connected/engaged with local media members.
- Compile clips of all media coverage and create media coverage reports as needed.
- Serve as a key point of contact for match day and data inquiries.
- Help manage the press box and media members during Rising home matches.
- Record and transcribe 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, or other related field.
- 0-1 years of public relations/media relations experience.
- Previous experience in sports communications.
- Familiarity with Phoenix Rising FC. Knowledge of international and American soccer culture.
- 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.