Communications and Marketing Intern at Dientes Community Dental Care – Santa Cruz, California

Dientes is a community dental care organization and 501c3 nonprofit on a mission to create lasting oral health for underserved children and adults of Santa Cruz County. For over 30 years, we've been breaking down barriers to dental care — ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, insurance status, or background, has access to high-quality, compassionate dental services. We serve over 18,000 patients annually, and we believe a healthy smile can change a life.

About This Internship

We're looking for a creative, mission-driven Communications & Marketing Intern to join our team. This is a hands-on opportunity to build real-world skills in nonprofit communications, social media strategy, storytelling, and community outreach — all while contributing to work that genuinely matters.

You'll play a key role in a youth-focused campaign designed to improve the rate of teens and tweens going to the dentist — and you'll help capture and share the real patient stories that make Dientes' mission come alive. If you're passionate about community, creativity, and making an impact, we'd love to meet you.

Primary Focus Areas

Social Media: You'll take the lead on developing engaging, platform-native social media content aimed at teens and tweens — the kind of content that actually stops the scroll. This includes concept development, copywriting, graphic creation, and scheduling across Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and other relevant platforms.

Patient Stories & Photography: You'll work directly with patients and clinical staff to capture compelling testimonials, photos, and stories that reflect the real impact of Dientes' care. This content will be used across marketing materials, social media, and other fundraising materials.

Database & Administrative Support: You'll assist with database updates, mailing list maintenance, and other data entry tasks that keep our communications running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities:
Develop and produce social media content (copy, graphics, video concepts) for a youth-focused dental health campaign targeting teens and tweens

Capture patient photos and testimonials for use in marketing materials, in compliance with patient privacy guidelines

Create graphics using Canva for social media and patient communications

Assist with maintaining Dientes' online presence across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and the company website

Assisting Outreach and Human Resources with tabling opportunities in the community

Capturing day-to-day staff life and keeping up with relevant trends

Support database updates, mailing list organization, and development file maintenance
What we’re looking for:

A genuine passion for community health, equity, and serving underserved populations

Comfort with social media platforms, especially Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, with an eye for what resonates with younger audiences

Experience with or willingness to learn Canva and basic CRM/database tools

Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity — you're comfortable engaging with patients from diverse backgrounds with warmth and professionalism

Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred