The Reading Initiative, a faculty-led project of the English Department and the University of Arizona is seeking 2-3 Program Development Interns who have strong collaboration and teamworking skills and are passionate about advancing and advocating for the practice and skill of reading. These interns will be responsible for helping to research, plan, facilitate, and market events and special projects for the Reading Initiative.
In the Fall of 2025, the Reading Initiative will be implementing multiple projects, including (a) developing a distraction-free reading lab for students and reading researchers; (b) putting on extracurricular reading events both on campus and off; (c) organizing a Gatsby-themed end-of-year event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby, Mrs. Dalloway, and The New Negro Anthology.
Duties may include:
• Attending meetings of the Reading Initiative
• Writing copy for public advertising
• Researching reading programs and events for inspiration/alignment
• Interfacing with community-based organizations about programming
• Marketing via digital and analog platforms
• Document editing
• Administrative tasks, including meeting minutes and memos
• Calendar management, scheduling
• Assisting with event coordination and implementation
Reports to:
Interns will report to either Paul Hurh or Johanna Skibsrud, Directors of the Reading Initiative
Requirements:
Interns must be a sophomore or higher in English, Creative Writing, Professional and Technical Writing, or related discipline. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary, and a background in reading is desirable.
Hours:
Interns will work 8 hours a week for the 16 week semester (or the equivalent to 128 hours total).
Compensation:
Currently, the Reading Initiative is operating unfunded, so there is no monetary compensation available. This internship carries the instructional credit of 3 units.
Application Process:
Please send a cover letter (1 page), current resume, and writing sample (3-5 pages) to Paul Hurh at jphurh@arizona.edu. Files must be word or pdf documents. Please use “Reading Initiative Internship” in the subject line. We will reach out to individuals to set up interviews by email.