Marketing and Communications Internship
About Riverlife:
Since 1999, Riverlife has worked to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. A nonprofit leader in building a community vision for Pittsburgh’s riverfronts, Riverlife has overseen a $150 million investment in the city’s waterfront transformation, catalyzing $4.2 billion in related economic development, arts and culture, and ecological sustainability on or adjacent to the city’s riverbanks. We center our work on the belief that the riverfronts belong to everyone, and world-class riverfront experiences can be created for all using community-driven, equitable development and high-quality, regenerative design. Learn more at RiverlifePGH.org.
Job Description:
Riverlife’s Marketing & Communications Internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit communications, digital marketing, and event promotion. Under the guidance of the Director of Communications, the intern will help tell Riverlife’s story, develop and manage social media content, develop marketing materials, and support programming and events. This role is ideal for someone eager to build skills in content creation, storytelling, and public engagement while gaining real-world experience working on and around Pittsburgh’s riverfronts.
This is a part-time, seasonal internship requiring 15-20 hours per week from May–August 2025 (flexible start and end dates). The position is hybrid, with some required on-site collaboration and event support.
Key Responsibilities and Qualifications include:
Communications & Marketing
- Develop and schedule engaging content for Riverlife’s social media accounts.
- Reinforce key initiatives, including Completing the Loop, The Sister Bridges Experience, and the revitalization of Allegheny Landing & Allegheny Riverfront Park.
- Assist in planning and promoting press events, panel discussions, and community activations.
- Create brand-aligned materials such as slide decks, Canva templates, and marketing collateral.
- Assist in developing email marketing campaigns and other digital outreach efforts.
- Research and develop thought leadership content in collaboration with Riverlife staff and external panelists.
Programming & Event Support
- Work on the water and along riverfront trails to assist with Riverlife-led and partner activations.
- Support program leads in ensuring seamless event execution.
- Manage and monitor supply needs for activations and community engagement efforts.
- Gather and report public feedback to improve future programs.
- Document and share insights from events through photography, video, and storytelling.
Administrative & Research Support
- Attend staff meetings, take notes, and prepare materials as needed.
- Conduct research on social media trends, marketing strategies, and audience engagement.
- Assist with photo and file management for Riverlife’s archives and content library.
- Provide general office support as needed.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Background or strong interest in communications, marketing, event planning, urban design, environmental studies, or community development.
- Experience creating and managing content for social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn).
- Strong writing skills, with the ability to craft engaging content for both professional and public audiences.
- Proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive), Canva, and CRM software.
- Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, WordPress, or similar content management systems (preferred but not required).
- Skills in photography, video editing, or graphic design are a plus.
- Comfortable working occasional evenings and weekends for special events.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for event setup or supply transport (as needed).
Compensation Details:|
This is a part-time, seasonal internship and reports to the Director of Communications. A monthly stipend of $1,000/month will be provided.
How to apply:
Send cover letter, resume, one sample of professional or academic writing, and two samples of writing or posts intended for a social media audience, to jobs@riverlifepgh.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled.
Riverlife is an equal opportunity employer, committed to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives and represent marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply.
