City Council Policy Internship

City of Durham; Durham (AR); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Durham invites undergraduate or graduate students to apply for the City Council Internship Program in the City Clerk’s Office. Work on policy research, communications, outreach, and constituent services on a variety of projects with City Council Member Nate Baker.

The internship offers hands-on exposure to local government, a flexible 15-hour work week, and opportunities to engage with the community and city staff. Compensation is hourly and year-defined by college level.

Qualifications

• Candidate must be currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Research policy issues and help formulate policy.
• Read and analyze staff reports and agenda items.
• Work on policy campaigns, organize meetings, assist with community outreach.
• Assist with communications, outreach, and constituent services.
• Prepare for and attend key committee, board, and council meetings.
• Draft and edit resolutions and policy memoranda.
• Facilitate dialogue with other elected officials, city staff, other governmental jurisdictions and community partners.

Skills

Local government interest

Written communication

Oral communication

Policy research

Community outreach

Education

Undergraduate or graduate student

Tools

Microsoft products

Adobe products

ArcGIS

Video production

Branding

Layout and design

Job description

Posting number: 26-06102

Department: City Clerk

Job classification: Internship - Professional Support

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Public Relations, Internship, Communications, Career Exploration

Summary

Citylogo.png

Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham

Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.

Hourly Rate of Pay: Hourly rate is based on the college level they are currently in 1st year (Freshman) $21.00 – 2nd year (Sophomore) $21.63 – 3rd year (Junior) $22.28 – 4th year (Senior) or Graduate Student $22.95
Work Days/Hours: 15 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(Some Nights and Weekends/Flexible schedule)

The City Council Internship Program is designed to introduce undergraduate or graduate students to work in local government. The selected candidate will work within the City Council's Office on a variety of special projects and research assignments with City Council Member Nate Baker.

Examples of duties

• Research policy issues and best practices and help formulate policy
• Read and analyze staff reports and agenda items
• Work on policy campaigns, organize meetings, assist with conducting community outreach
• Assist with communications, outreach, and constituent services
• Prepare for and attend key committee, board, and council meetings
• Draft and edit resolutions and policy memoranda
• Facilitate dialogue with other elected officials, city staff, other governmental jurisdictions and community partners

Knowledge and Skills

• Interest in local government issues, including but not limited to planning, zoning, housing, transportation, parks and recreation, policing, emergency services, budgets, and other related urban issues;
• Experience or interest in learning communicating through social media, video production, branding, layout and design, Microsoft products, Adobe products, ArcGIS;
• Should have a working knowledge of city systems and agencies to support resident needs and well-being;
• Knowledge of the Durham community is preferred;
• Experience and interest working on social justice issues.

Special Abilities

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with individuals and groups from varied cultural and socio-economic backgrounds;
• Ability to be patient, flexible, and well organized, as well as dedicated to resident and community goals.

Qualifications

• Candidate must be currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program.
• Candidate must demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.
  

Supplemental information

• Knowledge of the Durham community