Tuscaloosa PARA (Park & Recreation Authority) is hiring a Public Relations & Marketing Intern. To apply, e-mail your resume with the subject header “Public Relations & Marketing Intern” to Brian Davis at bdavis@tcpara.org.
- Position Type: Part-Time Internship (Academic Credit)
- Hours: 8–10 hours per week (Flexible Schedule)
- Compensation: Academic Internship Credit through the University of Alabama
- Location: PARA Administrative Offices and Facilities
Position Summary
The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA) is seeking a motivated and creative Public Relations & Marketing Intern to assist with promoting recreational programs, facilities, parks, and special events throughout Tuscaloosa County. This internship provides hands-on experience in public relations, marketing, social media management, event promotion, and community engagement while allowing students to build a professional portfolio.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop, create, and schedule engaging content for PARA’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and other digital channels.
- Capture photos and short-form videos at parks, recreation programs, athletic events, and special events.
- Assist in developing marketing campaigns that promote PARA programs, facilities, tournaments, and community events.
- Write social media posts, event announcements, newsletters, and other promotional content.
- Assist with planning, promoting, and staffing PARA special events.
- Coordinate with PARA staff to gather stories, photos, and content highlighting programs and services.
- Monitor social media engagement and recommend strategies to increase community interaction.
- Assist in maintaining PARA’s brand standards across all marketing and promotional materials.
- Support other public relations, communications, and marketing initiatives as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current student at the University of Alabama pursuing a degree in Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Sports Management, or a related field.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Working knowledge of major social media platforms.
- Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar graphic design software is preferred.
- Photography and/or video editing experience is a plus.
- Organized, dependable, creative, and able to work independently while collaborating with a team.
- Enthusiasm for community engagement, recreation, and public service.
Learning Opportunities
This internship provides practical experience in:
- Public Relations
- Social Media Strategy
- Digital Marketing
- Event Marketing
- Brand Management
- Community Engagement
- Professional Communications
- Recreation and Parks Administration
What You’ll Gain
- Hands-on experience managing communications for one of Alabama’s largest park and recreation agencies.
- A professional portfolio showcasing marketing campaigns, social media content, photography, and event promotions.
- Netw orking opportunities with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, local government officials, and recreation professionals.
- Flexible scheduling designed to accommodate academic commitments.
- Academic internship credit through the University of Alabama.
This internship is ideal for students interested in careers in public relations, sports marketing, event management, nonprofit communications, municipal administration, parks and recreation, or digital media. Students will graduate with meaningful real-world experience and a portfolio of work that demonstrates their creativity, communication skills, and professional growth.
Outstanding interns may also be considered for future paid opportunities with PARA as positions become available and organizational needs allow.