Public Relations Intern

Job description

Public Relations Intern Join NKPR NKPR is a Toronto-based communications agency specializing in public relations, marketing, digital strategy and talent representation. Founded by Natasha Koifman in 2002, we partner with leading brands across real estate, hospitality, lifestyle, design, technology, fashion and financial services to create communications programs that build awareness, strengthen reputation and drive meaningful business results. We’re a collaborative, high-energy agency where great work comes from strong relationships — with our clients, the media and each other. Our Queen West Toronto office is designed to bring people together, from collaborative workspaces and cozy meeting areas to a rooftop patio that becomes a favourite gathering spot in the summer. The pace is fast, the work is varied and no two weeks look exactly the same. Our team works across media relations, major events, brand launches, strategic campaigns, and integrated communications programs, while making time to celebrate the wins along the way. The Opportunity We’re looking for a curious, motivated and highly organized Public Relations Intern to join our team for a paid, six-month contract. Reporting to the Internship Supervisor and working alongside members of our account teams, you’ll gain hands-on agency experience while supporting communications programs for a diverse portfolio of NKPR clients. This is an ideal opportunity for someone at the beginning of their PR career who wants to build practical experience across media relations, research, media monitoring, events, social media and day-to-day account support. You’ll learn how an agency operates, contribute to real client work and have opportunities to take on greater responsibility as your skills and confidence develop. Our internship program is designed to be a learning experience as much as a working one. You’ll receive ongoing guidance and feedback, meet regularly with your supervisor and have opportunities to develop the skills needed to build a career in public relations. This reflects the structure of NKPR's existing internship program, which includes regular supervisor meetings and formal development discussions throughout the placement. For interns who demonstrate strong performance and are a great fit with the team, there may be opportunities to continue growing with NKPR in a full-time role following the internship, based on business needs and available opportunities. What You’ll Do Support account teams in the development and execution of PR and communications campaigns for NKPR clients. Monitor print, broadcast, digital and social media for client, competitor and industry coverage. Prepare media scans and maintain accurate coverage reports and trackers. Research journalists, creators, influencers, media outlets, industry trends and relevant opportunities for clients. Build, update and maintain targeted media and influencer lists. Support the development of media materials, including pitches, briefing documents and other written communications. Assist with media outreach, pitching and fact-check coordination. Prepare media mailers and product drops and coordinate deliveries. Contribute to social media research, content development and other digital initiatives. Support client events, activations, media opportunities and other agency initiatives. Conduct research to support client strategies, campaigns, new business opportunities and agency projects. Participate in internal account meetings and, where appropriate, client calls. Provide general account and administrative support as required. Take on additional responsibilities as your skills and experience develop throughout the internship. What We’re Looking For Post-secondary education in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience. A strong interest in public relations, communications, media and current events. An understanding of — and genuine curiosity about — the Canadian media landscape. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work. Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines. A proactive approach to learning and a willingness to ask questions, seek feedback, and take initiative. Professionalism and good judgment when communicating with colleagues, clients, media and external partners. The ability to work collaboratively and contribute positively within a fast-paced agency environment. Proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office. Previous internship, volunteer or work experience in PR, communications, marketing, media or social media is considered an asset. Familiarity with Canva, media monitoring platforms or media databases is considered an asset. What Success Looks Like You’re curious, dependable and eager to learn. You take ownership of the work assigned to you, ask thoughtful questions when you need clarification and make an effort to understand not only what you’re being asked to do, but why it matters to the client or team. You stay organized, manage your deadlines and proactively keep your team informed about the status of your work. When priorities compete or you encounter a challenge, you flag it early and ask for support rather than allowing a deadline to be missed. You’re receptive to feedback and apply what you learn to your next assignment. As the internship progresses, you become increasingly confident working with media lists, monitoring coverage, conducting research, supporting outreach and contributing to client work. Most importantly, you’re someone the team can rely on — you take accountability, contribute wherever you can and approach every assignment, big or small, as an opportunity to learn. Life at NKPR This is a full-time, six-month contract position based in our Queen West Toronto office. To support onboarding, training and integration with the team, interns work five days per week in office for their first 90 days. Following the successful completion of the first 90 days, interns transition to NKPR’s hybrid working model of four days per week in office, with Fridays working from home. As an agency, our work sometimes extends beyond traditional office hours. Interns should be available to occasionally support evening or weekend events, activations and other client initiatives when required. NKPR Offers Hands-on experience working across a diverse portfolio of clients and industries Exposure to media relations, events, social media and integrated communications campaigns Professional development and mentorship Regular feedback and opportunities to develop your PR skill set Experience working alongside communications professionals at different stages of their careers Summer hours A collaborative, open-concept workspace Team events, celebrations, and agency socials The opportunity to build meaningful, practical agency experience as you begin your PR career Our Commitment to Inclusion NKPR is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible workplace. We believe stronger ideas and better work come from different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to creating an environment where team members feel respected, supported and able to grow.