2027 Summer Internship - Marketing, Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Gift (Nashville, TN Hybrid)

Overview

Gain hands-on, real-world experience with a paid summer internship at HarperCollins Christian Publishing. The Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift marketing team supports a wide range of inspirational books, devotionals, gift products, and author brands including Candace Cameron Bure, Sadie Robertson, Max Lucado, Louie Giglio, and many more. The gift division prides itself in creating books with great content, as well as beautiful features such as four-color printing, leathersoft devotionals, lifestyle books, and much more. This internship offers broad exposure to the publishing process and practical experience in marketing and public relations, including digital campaigns, social media, email marketing, influencer outreach, publicity support, market research, and campaign analysis. The intern will work alongside a collaborative, fast-paced team and contribute to projects supporting our busy fall book launch and holiday seasons.

Responsibilities

The marketing intern will assist with a variety of marketing and public relations initiatives and gain experience across campaign planning, content development, research, publicity, and performance analysis. The intern will:

• Help implement direct-to-consumer marketing campaigns across email, social media, web, and other digital channels.
• Draft and edit marketing copy, including email content, blog posts, social media captions, advertising copy, product messaging, and promotional materials.
• Assist in creating inspirational and shareable social media content and basic marketing assets; Canva or other design experience is a plus.
• Support campaign planning and execution for new book launches, seasonal promotions, and evergreen products.
• Research bloggers, influencers, media outlets, audience trends, and competitive titles to identify promotional opportunities.
• Work with the publicity team to develop media kits, press materials, media lists, and other resources supporting authors and book launches.
• Assist with promotional mailings and distribution of books or advance copies to reviewers, media, influencers, authors, and other partners.
• Compile and analyze marketing data and campaign results from available internal and digital platforms; help identify insights that can inform future efforts.
• Attend appropriate team and cross-functional meetings to gain exposure to how Marketing, Public Relations, Sales, and Editorial work together throughout the publishing process.
• Develop a multi-faceted marketing campaign proposal designed to reach 18-22-year-old consumers with devotional content, incorporating audience research, channel recommendations, messaging, and promotional ideas.
• Provide general project and administrative support as needed, including proofreading, research, meeting notes, spreadsheets, and organization of campaign materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Candidates who are available to work in a full-time capacity in 2027 or 2028 are eligible for this internship; open to rising seniors, recent graduates, master’s students, or entry level candidates with up to 1 year of work experience.
• Candidates must be available to work 28 hours per week, Monday through Thursday, from June 7 to August 12, 2027. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are mandatory in-office days at our Nashville headquarters, while Mondays and Thursdays are remote workdays. Compensation for this internship is $18 per hour.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
• A resume and cover letter are required; applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Please address your cover letter to “Hiring Team.”
• Ideal candidates are either currently enrolled in or have recently graduated from an undergraduate or master’s program.
• A passion for books is highly valued!
• College junior or senior, or recent graduate, majoring in business, communications, English, journalism, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of the Christian faith is preferred; interest in books, publishing, consumer marketing, or gift products is a plus.
• Previous marketing, communications, retail, campus organization, or customer-facing experience is helpful but not required. Experience in a book or gift retail setting is a plus.
• Basic understanding of social media and digital marketing. Familiarity with how Marketing, Public Relations, Sales, and Editorial work together is a plus; publishing experience is not required.

Skills

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of social media and digital marketing
• Canva or other graphic design experience is a plus
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and research skills
• Ability to work with data and translate results into useful marketing insights
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Behavioral Skills

Enthusiastic, curious, and proactive self-starter who can thrive in a fast-paced department. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines are important. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, teamwork, tact, and professional conduct are essential.

Work Environment

Fast-paced, collaborative, author-centric marketing department supporting multiple titles, campaigns, and deadlines at once. The intern should be comfortable adapting to changing priorities and working with colleagues across functions.

HarperCollins Publishers is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, email us at [email protected]. Note: we will only respond to accommodation requests.

The deadline to apply is October 1, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.

HarperCollins Publishers is an equal opportunity employer.