The Grand Rapids Rise announce an opening for a Public Relations Intern. The internship starts in January 2026 and lasts until the conclusion of the Major League Volleyball season in May 2026.
This internship is intended to help prepare the individual for employment with a professional sports team. Previous members of the organization’s public relations staffs (including the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins) have continued on to work for the Bakersfield Condors (AHL), Baltimore Ravens (NFL), Berlin Thunder (NFL Europe), Boston Bruins (NHL), Carolina Cobras (AFL), Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), Chicago White Sox (MLB), Cincinnati Reds (MLB), Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Monsters (AHL), Cornerstone University (WHAC), Denver Broncos (NFL), Denver Outlaws (MLL), Detroit Lions (NFL), Detroit Red Wings (NHL), Detroit Tigers (MLB), Detroit Vipers (IHL), Ferris State University (GLIAC), Florida Panthers (NHL), Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), Grand Rapids Rampage (AFL), Grand Valley State University (GLIAC), Houston Texans (NFL), Indianapolis Indians (IL), Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), Lincoln Stars (USHL), Los Angeles FC (MLS), New York Jets (NFL), New York Rangers (NHL), Oakland Raiders (NFL), Philadelphia Rebels (NAHL), San Antonio Rampage (AHL), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Tennessee Titans (NFL), Toledo Mud Hens (IL), Toledo Walleye (ECHL), United States Soccer Federation, University of Florida (SEC), USA Cycling, USA Hockey, USA Volleyball, Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), and Wartburg College (ARC).
Reports To:
• Vice President of Communications
• Public and Community Relations Coordinator
Responsibilities:
• Assist in all facets of the public relations department’s operations
• Match-night responsibilities include but are not limited to scorer’s table, press box, and media room setup and teardown, photo meta tagging, distribution of media credentials, and assisting PR staff in the press box
• Provide additional team coverage for grrise.com by attending occasional practices to write player feature stories and Q&As
• Assist with the distribution of community program/event materials
• Other duties and special projects as assigned
Qualifications:
• Recent college graduate, senior/junior-year undergraduate student, or post-graduate student, majoring in communications, sport management, journalism, public relations, or related field
• Availability to work all 14 home matches as well as playoffs (schedule TBA; approx. 7 hours per match, including nights and weekends), plus occasional office hours as needed during the week
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including working knowledge of and adherence to AP style
• Intense desire to progress professionally within the sports PR industry
• Creativity, meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage a variety of simultaneous tasks and meet deadlines
• Computer proficiency, preferably including experience with Lightroom Classic and/or Photo Shelter
• Self-starting, highly motivated individual with exceptional work ethic and unquestioned dependability
• Personal, professional demeanor
• Astute knowledge of and interest in volleyball
• Possesses own computer that can be used on match nights
Compensation:
• Hourly wage
• Game-night parking, meals and complimentary tickets
• School credit (if applicable)
Application Deadline: Sept. 14, 2025
About the Grand Rapids Rise: The Grand Rapids Rise made their debut in January 2024 and will play their third season in 2026 as members of Major League Volleyball. Led by longtime Michigan State and Western Michigan head coach Cathy George, the Rise reached the championship match during their inaugural season and rank among the top U.S. women’s pro volleyball teams in attendance. The team is operated by DP Fox Sports & Entertainment and owned by Dan DeVos, who is also majority owner and CEO of the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins and minority owner of West Michigan Soccer, which will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2027. Visit grrise.com for more information.
About Major League Volleyball: Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the longest-running formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
