Communications Intern

Communications Intern (Non-Exempt) 

Southwestern Medical Foundation 

Location: Dallas, TX | On-site 

Duration: Summer 2026 | Paid Internship 

About Southwestern Medical Foundation 

Southwestern Medical Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing medicine through the support of medical research, care, and education. We were founded in 1939 by Edward H. Cary, M.D., Karl Hoblitzelle, and a group of community leaders determined to bring excellent medical care to the North Texas region. After establishing Southwestern Medical College in 1943—now UT Southwestern Medical Center—the Foundation began operating as an independent Texas nonprofit, working in close alignment with UT Southwestern to champion leading-edge initiatives. 

Since our founding in 1939, the Foundation has awarded more than $900 million in grants, primarily to support the mission of UT Southwestern Medical Center. This support has helped nurture one of the world’s preeminent medical research and academic institutions. We currently manage more than $1 billion in assets across 1,000 funds, providing sustainable resources that advance medicine and breakthroughs. Our mission today continues through convening visionary leaders, philanthropists, and community partners to advance health care and improve lives in North Texas and beyond. 

Position Overview 

Southwestern Medical Foundation is seeking a motivated and creative Communications Intern for Summer 2026. This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit communications, digital strategy, and storytelling. The intern will support key initiatives across social media, website optimization, podcast and video content production, and donor engagement campaigns. 

This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while gaining professional development and mentorship within a mission-driven organization committed to improving health outcomes. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist in editing and maximizing podcast and video content for social media, newsletters, and website placements  
• Create transcripts, pull key quotes, and help produce short-form social media clips  
• Support paid and organic social media campaigns, including scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and conducting social listening  
• Assist in a website audit and optimization project 
• Assist in communications for fall events and campaigns, including social promotion, invitations, and follow-up materials 
• Contribute to donor relations efforts by supporting events and preparing materials 
• Participate in brainstorming sessions for digital strategy, storytelling, and campaign planning  
• Digital media file management 
• Provide general administrative and project support as needed 
• Adhere to all Foundation policies 

Qualifications 

• 18 years or older and currently enrolled as a full-time student at a college or university; preferably studying Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management or a related field
• Strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 GPA) 
• Advanced writing, editing, and verbal communication skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 apps 
• Familiarity with AI tools (usage will be in compliance with Foundation policy only) 
• Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation tools (Sprout Social, Canva, MailChimp, Adobe Creative Suite a plus) 
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail 
• Creative thinker with a professional demeanor and an interest in storytelling and community engagement 
• Team player with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a dynamic, collaborative environment 
• Enthusiastic about working in the nonprofit sector and supporting a philanthropic mission 

Physical Requirements: 

The physical requirements and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  

• Moderate stress level 
• Moderate noise level 
• Regular and predictable attendance 
• Occasional standing and lifting of at least 20 pounds 
• Long periods of sitting 

Additional Details 

• Compensation: $20 per hour 
• Position Title: Communications Intern (non-exempt position) 
• Reports to: Dustin Magwire, Digital Media Senior Manager 
• Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 4pm 
• Fully onsite position; no remote work opportunities 
• Summer 2026 (9-10 weeks) with an approximate start date of June 1, 2026, and an approximate end date of August 14, 2026. 
• 1 unpaid week off for Foundation holiday closure (June 29 – July 3) 
• The Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

How to Apply 

Please submit a cover letter and resume in PDF format to HR@swmedical.org.