Brave Like Me Foundation Programs Intern Cincinnati, OH · Part time Company website

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Brave Like Me Foundation creates moments of joy for children with complex medical conditions. Through Brayden’s Books, we bring comfort and connection; through Brave Friends Adventures, we create unforgettable experiences; and through Brave Pets, we reunite kids with the pets who love them most. Inspired by Brayden Otten, we exist to bring courage, hope, and joy when families need it most.

About Brave Like Me Foundation

Brave Like Me Foundation exists to bring courage, comfort, and joy to children with complex medical conditions and their families. Inspired by the life of Brayden Otten, our work is grounded in three pillars:

• Mind – Brayden’s Books: literacy, connection, and ease during medical care
• Body – Brave Friends Adventures: joyful experiences and outings for children and their closest friends
• Spirit – Brave Pets: reuniting hospitalized children with their beloved pets through the Mobile Family Pet Reunion Center

Together, these pillars form a wholehearted approach to healing — one that recognizes that true care extends beyond medicine. By addressing emotional connection, joyful experience, and inner resilience, Brave Like Me meets children where they are and walks beside them with compassion, courage, and love.

Internship Description                                                      

Brave Like Me Foundation is seeking compassionate, organized, and mission-driven students. We invite hard-working and talented students from all academic disciplines to serve as Program Interns for all three of our Foundation's pillars. Interns are an integral part of delivering safe, joyful, and meaningful pet reunions for children in hospital settings, experiences with friend adventures, and the rollout of book events. This role provides hands-on nonprofit experience at the intersection of healthcare, operations, partnerships, and community engagement. Interns are assigned a specific project within a program pillar in addition to supporting the overall mission while collaborating closely with foundation staff, hospital stakeholders, volunteers, and fellow interns.                             

This is an unpaid internship; however, candidates may be eligible to receive class/academic credit or eligible work study as approved by their respective academic institutions. Interns are expected to work approximately 15-20 hours per week during standard office hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.), with occasional evenings or weekends as required by program or event schedules.

Core Responsibilities

Program Interns will support the planning, coordination, and outreach efforts of the Brave Pets, Brave Friends, and Brayden Books programs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Planning & Operations

• Assist with program administration, including scheduling and coordination of Mobile Family Pet Reunion Center visits in collaboration with external partners and Brave Like Me program staff.
• Support weekly and monthly program developments and communications, ensuring alignment across the Foundation’s three pillars.
• Research and identify potential event options, outing locations, and partner venues for Brave Pets-related activations or family experiences.
• Assist with preparation and communication for pet reunions, including materials, care packages, and post-experience support.
• Help maintain accurate program records, visit logs, and internal tracking documents
• Assist with other daily office and special project planning as needed.

Communication & Relationship Management

• Communicate professionally and compassionately with stakeholders, including community partners, as necessary.
• Assist with volunteer communication, scheduling, confirmations, and follow-ups.
• Draft internal and external communications, including emails, schedules, program updates, and informational materials.
• Serve as a brand ambassador for Brave Like Me and Brave Pets at hospital visits, events, and community engagements as needed. 

Volunteer Recruitment & Support

• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and coordinating Brave Pets volunteers.
• Support volunteer scheduling across program dates and hospital requirements.
• Help prepare volunteer materials, training resources, and program documentation.

Documentation & Program Development

• Update and organize the Brave Pets program documents, training materials, and onboarding resources.
• Assist with data collection, reporting, and impact tracking related to pet reunions, family, and volunteer engagement.
• Contribute ideas for improving program efficiency, experience flow, and family-centered care.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student in nonprofit management, healthcare, social work, marketing, psychology, or a related field
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Compassionate, professional demeanor with families, volunteers, and hospital partners
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Passion for serving children and families facing medical challenges

What You’ll Gain

• Meaningful, real-world nonprofit experience supporting children and families in healthcare settings
• Exposure to hospital partnerships, volunteer coordination, and program operations
• Opportunities to contribute directly to moments of healing, joy, and emotional connection
• Professional mentorship and resume-building experience within a growing nonprofit organization

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter expressing interest through the Careers & Jobs board at https://bravelikemefoundation.org/pages/internships