Public Media Development & Sponsorship Intern (KAWC/KOFA)
This role is posted on behalf of GoalBusters Consulting, a friend of the UW-Madison Department of Communication Arts. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to alice.ferris@kawc.org. In your cover letter, briefly describe:
- Why you are interested in public media or sponsorship strategy
- A project you completed that required independent research or organization
- Your experience with writing, research, or data organization
KAWC Public Media Development & Sponsorship Intern
Summer 2026 | Remote | $2,000 Stipend
KAWC/KOFA Public Radio is seeking a Summer 2026 Revenue & Sponsorship Intern to support underwriting strategy and business partnership development for an NPR member station in Arizona. This position is funded by the Arizona Media Association to support workforce development in media. The intern will work with Alice Ferris (BA ’91, MBA ’94), who directs revenue strategy for the station, and will gain hands-on experience at the intersection of media, business development, and strategic communication.
About KAWC/KOFA Public Radio
KAWC is an NPR member station serving Yuma and La Paz Counties in Arizona. KOFA Border Radio provides music and cultural programming for the region. As a public media organization, KAWC relies on a mix of individual giving, grants, and local business underwriting to support programming. Underwriting and day sponsorships are a critical part of the station’s revenue model and community engagement strategy.
Position Overview
This remote summer internship runs from May 18 through August 14, 2026 and is structured around weekly virtual check-ins and defined deliverables. The primary summer project will focus on building and organizing KAWC’s 2026–27 local business sponsorship pipeline and strengthening sponsor communication materials.
Primary Responsibilities
- Research and compile a targeted list of local business prospects in Yuma and La Paz Counties
- Analyze industry fit and categorize sponsorship potential
- Build and maintain a structured underwriting prospect tracker
- Assist in drafting sponsor outreach emails and follow-up templates
- Support development of underwriting one-sheet materials and messaging
- Track outreach activity and prepare summary reports
Depending on experience and performance, the intern may assist with supervised sponsor outreach communications.
What This Internship Offers
- Exposure to public media revenue strategy
- Experience with sponsorship development and business communications
- Practice translating mission-driven media into sponsor-aligned messaging
- Structured remote mentorship and professional guidance
- Portfolio-ready research, writing, and strategic communication work
This role is ideal for students interested in public media, strategic communication, media business operations, nonprofit revenue development, or community partnerships.
Schedule & Compensation
- Dates: May 18 – August 14, 2026
- Hours: Approximately 8–10 hours per week
- Compensation: $2,000 stipend for the summer internship period
- Optional travel support may be available for a short onsite visit to Yuma, Arizona.
Qualifications
- Strong written communication skills
- Attention to detail and organizational ability
- Comfort working with spreadsheets
- Ability to work independently and meet weekly deadlines
- Interest in media, business development, or nonprofit strategy preferred