Public Relations & Communications Paid Summer Internship

About the Internship

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Summer Public Relations Intern to support our communications team during a fast-paced and high-visibility season. This role is ideal for a strong writer with an outgoing personality who is eager to gain hands-on experience in media relations, press/ media events, and influencer programs. The internship offers exposure to real-world PR work, including press outreach, social media influencer research, and event support, while also contributing to essential behind-the-scenes organizational efforts that keep our team running smoothly.

The Summer PR Intern will work closely with the PR team to assist with day-to-day communications activities, media tracking, influencer program management, and event coordination. This is a learning-focused role with meaningful responsibility, requiring reliability, curiosity, and a willingness to contribute to both high-profile and administrative tasks.

This internship is best suited for someone who is eager to learn, comfortable wearing many hats, and excited to contribute to both the visible and behind-the-scenes work that drives successful campaigns. This is an in person internship from June 15 – August 6, 2026, with a required orientation on June 8.

Duties & Responsibilities

Writing and research

• Assist with drafting press materials, pitches, and internal documents
• Research media outlets, journalists, and social media influencers relevant to our brand
• Assist in implementing internal and external communications strategies, including tactical planning, writing, and execution for projects and programs
• Identify and research new media targets and feature sections
• Draft pitches for lifestyle media; pitching media on a case-by-case basis
• Draft press releases and pitch media on case-by-case basis
• Draft content for various writing needs

Media and influencer management

• Support the ongoing development and tracking of our social media influencer program
• Build, update, and maintain media and influencer master lists
• Track outreach, coverage, and influencer partnerships
• Compile press reports and recap documents

Events and press support

• Assist with event planning, coordination, and on-site support
• Support press junkets and media-related events as needed

Team organization and operations

• Manage tracking documents and press databases
• Maintain event listings and calendars
• Ensure press lists, reports, and internal materials are accurate and up to date
• Support general PR team organization, including tasks that are operational

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the United States
• At least 18 years of age
• Available to work schedule outlined below.

• Working towards and/or have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations Marketing, or a related field
• Minimum one year communications experience that ideally includes communication planning, research and evaluation, writing and editing for a variety of mediums, basic project management and building media relationships
• Proficient with all Microsoft Office programs
• Excellent writing and copy-editing skills
• Team-player who is highly self-motivated with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Applicants with previous internships or related experience in marketing and communications will receive additional consideration
• Interest in public relations, media, press, and influencer marketing
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and dependable
• Comfortable handling both creative and administrative tasks
• Familiarity with social media platforms and influencers is a plus

Schedule (IN PERSON)

• June 15 – August 6, 2026 with a required orientation on June 8, 2026
• Available to work weekdays during standard business hours
• Flexible availability for select weeknight media events and press junkets

• Required 30 hours per week, may include evening or weekend events for press nights, press junkets, plaza events etc.
• In office schedule
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9am-5:30pm
  • Thursday 9am-3:30pm
  • 30 hours per week in the office, no remote work
  • Required orientation on June 8 from 1pm – 3:30pm
  • Required professional development/intern event day on June 13 from 3pm – 9pm
    
    

What you will Gain

• Hands-on experience in public relations and media relations
• Exposure to influencer marketing strategy and execution
• Opportunities to attend and support real-world events and press activities
• Insight into the operational side of a PR team and how campaigns are executed end-to-end

Compensation

$16.90 per hour

Deadline to apply

April 16, 2026

About Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is an acclaimed arts institution as well as a beautiful multi-disciplinary cultural campus. It is committed to supporting artistic excellence on all of its stages, offering unsurpassed experiences, and to engaging the entire community in new and exciting ways through the unique power of live performance and a diverse array of inspiring programs. Previously called the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Center is Orange County’s largest non-profit arts organization. In addition to its six performance venues, Segerstrom Center is also home to the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School. The Center presents a broad range of programming for audiences of all ages, including international ballet and dance, national tours of top Broadway shows, intimate performances of jazz and cabaret, contemporary artists, classical music performed by renowned chamber orchestras and ensembles, family-friendly programming, free performances open to the public from outdoor movie screenings to dancing on the plaza and many other special events. The Center’s education programs are designed to inspire young people through the arts and reach hundreds of thousands of students each year.

Connections working at Segerstrom Center for the Arts