Public Communications Student Intern

Expires on March 21, 2026

Position Description The city supports a student internship program and encourages departments to participate in the program. An intern is a student currently enrolled in or recently graduated from high school, junior college, a college or university, or a vocational/technical school. Interns may work for college credit for an hourly rate or as unpaid volunteers.

Hourly interns can work up to twenty-five (25) hours per week and up to nine (9) months consecutively or up to forty (40) hours per week and up to six (6) months consecutively. Hourly interns will be set up on city payroll and are eligible to be paid an hourly rate per the table below:

• Freshman or Sophomore College Student – $14.00
• Junior, Senior, or Technical/Vocational College Student – $15.00
• Graduate Level College Student – $16.00
• Professional Specialized Degree Student – up to $25.00

• Effective Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Students will develop the ability to write and distribute various types of content, including press releases, newsletter articles and social media posts. Staff will proof and edit until ready for publishing.
• Content Management: Students will gain proficiency in using the city’s content management system through both web and in-person training.
• Resume Development: Students will receive weekly guidance meetings with staff on how to create and improve their resume and portfolio website.
• Linked In and Online Presence: Staff will guide students on how to improve their Linked In profile and monitor their online presence/mentions.
• Professional Headshot: Staff will teach student about how to take professional headshots and the student will leave internship with a high-quality professional headshot.
• Collaboration: Students will develop strong collaboration skills by working with graphic designers and other team members to create visually appealing materials and execute communication campaigns effectively.
• Information Synthesis: Students will learn to synthesize complex information into easily understandable content for employees and the public by taking tours of facilities and interviewing staff.
• Digital and Social Media Marketing: Students will gain experience in writing copy and uploading digital content for social media platforms. Staff will review content before publishing.
• Graphic Design and Video Production (Optional): Students with a passion or interest in design and video production can explore and develop skills in these areas alongside staff, as they are considered advantageous for this role.

• Write and distribute press releases, advertising copy, newsletter articles and social posts and coordinate on all aspects of a communications campaign for assigned topic
• Write and submit content for city website using content management system
• Submit content for established employee communication publications
• Write and submit content for city e-newsletters for assigned campaigns
• Write and produce engaging video content for Youtube channel
• Take photos and videos for website, social channels and to build stock content
• Work with graphic designers to create visually appealing printed materials to supplement communications campaigns
• Be an “editorial eye” that ensures that all written materials are clear and concise
• Collaborate with Public Communications team in all stages of the creative process on key communication initiatives

Currently enrolled college student (undergraduate, graduate level, technical/vocational)

• Knowledge and experience to successfully fulfill the duties and responsibilities listed above and below as this position will be ethical, hardworking, and a strong desire to learn. Experience can be personal or professional.

• Strong writing skills and ability to respond to planned opportunities as well as real-time moments.
• Strong understanding/use of content management systems and any emerging new platforms
• Writing copy for digital/social platforms and for infographics/videos
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to take large amounts of complex information and synthesize it into…