Communications Intern
City of Seattle · Seattle, WA
- On site
- Internship
- $57,557 / year
- Seattle, WA
Job highlights
- Support integrated communications for Seattle Public Utilities.
- Create content: writing, photography, videography, and design.
- Assist with public relations and digital operations.
- Gain experience in municipal government communications.
- Build a professional portfolio of work samples.
About the role
About Seattle Public Utilities
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all.Job Responsibilities
As a Communications Intern, you will work within a creative team to support the Office of the General Manager and Community Affairs. You will have the opportunity to engage in multi-faceted storytelling and support integrated communications across the Seattle Public Utilities.Content Creation & Storytelling
- Writing: Draft and develop stories for various utility publications.
- Multimedia Production: Cover utility events through professional photography and video.
- Visual Design: Create engaging visuals and graphics for social media and other digital communication tools.
Project & Media Support
- Public Relations: Provide support for PR initiatives and ongoing video projects.
- Digital Operations: Utilize Microsoft Office 365 and SharePoint to manage content and internal communications.
- Strategic Collaboration: Contribute as a confident team member by making creative suggestions and working independently after receiving general direction.
Learning Objectives
Through this role, you will bridge the gap between academic theory and professional communication practices. By the conclusion of this term, you will have:- Gained first-hand experience in how professional, municipal communications teams operate.
- Improved professional writing, editing, and photography skills within a government context.
- Developed a deeper understanding of integrated communications channels and brand consistency.
- Built a professional portfolio of published work samples and digital content.
Qualifications
- Education: Currently enrolled as a Graduate Student in Communications, Public Administration, Journalism, or a closely related municipal government-focused program. 3.0 GPA required
- Skills: Familiarity within Microsoft Office 365, strong writing ability, photo/video production skills, and graphic design experience.
- Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with SharePoint is preferred.
- Profile: A creative thinker who is eager to learn and is capable of independent project management.
Additional Information
- Schedule: 15–20 hours per week during school sessions; up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Work is flexible between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
- Location: Seattle Municipal Tower.
- Duration: Maximum of 2 years or until 3 months after graduation.
- Salary: The full salary range for this internship is $27.67 – 27.67 an hour.
How To Apply
To be considered for this position, you must attach the following:- Resume clearly identifying how you meet the qualifications.
- Work Sample (e.g., writing, design, or video portfolio).
- Current Transcript (unofficial).
Key skills/competency
- Communications Intern
- Content Creation
- Storytelling
- Multimedia Production
- Public Relations
- Digital Operations
- Microsoft Office 365
- SharePoint
- Graphic Design
- Professional Writing
Skills & topics
- Communications Intern
- Content Creation
- Storytelling
- Multimedia
- Public Relations
- Digital Media
- Graphic Design
- Journalism
- Municipal Government
- Internship
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your writing, multimedia, and design skills.
- Prepare your work sample: Showcase your best writing, design, or video projects.
- Address qualifications directly: Clearly state your graduate student status and GPA.
- Submit all required documents: Ensure your resume, work sample, and transcript are attached.
- Emphasize learning goals: Express eagerness to learn municipal communications practices.
Technical preparation
Practice writing for government publications.,Develop skills in photography and video editing.,Create sample graphics using design software.,Familiarize yourself with Microsoft Office 365 and SharePoint.
Behavioral questions
Demonstrate creative thinking and problem-solving.,Show initiative in project management.,Highlight collaborative teamwork abilities.,Express eagerness to learn and adapt.
Frequently asked questions
- What specific graduate programs are ideal for the Communications Intern role at the City of Seattle?
- The Communications Intern position at the City of Seattle is ideal for graduate students currently enrolled in Communications, Public Administration, Journalism, or any closely related program with a municipal government focus. A strong academic record with a 3.0 GPA is required.
- Can I apply for the Communications Intern position if I am an undergraduate student?
- No, this Communications Intern position specifically requires that applicants be currently enrolled as a Graduate Student. Undergraduate students are not eligible for this specific internship opportunity.
- What type of work sample should I submit for the Communications Intern application?
- For the Communications Intern role, you should submit a work sample that best demonstrates your skills in writing, graphic design, or video production. This could be a portfolio of published articles, design projects, or a collection of your video work.
- How many hours per week is the Communications Intern position?
- The Communications Intern role offers flexible scheduling, typically requiring 15-20 hours per week during school sessions and up to 40 hours per week during breaks, with work hours generally between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
- What are the main responsibilities of a Communications Intern at Seattle Public Utilities?
- As a Communications Intern, you will support the Office of the General Manager and Community Affairs by creating content (writing, photography, video, graphics), assisting with public relations initiatives, managing digital content using Microsoft Office 365 and SharePoint, and contributing creative ideas to the team.
- What technical skills are essential for the Communications Intern role?
- Essential technical skills for the Communications Intern include familiarity with Microsoft Office 365, strong writing abilities, photo/video production skills, and graphic design experience. Familiarity with SharePoint is also preferred.
- How long is the Communications Intern position at the City of Seattle?
- The Communications Intern position has a maximum duration of two years or can extend up to three months after your graduation, providing a substantial learning period.
- What is the pay rate for the Communications Intern position?