Communications and Engagement Intern

Southern Arkansas University; San Rafael (CA); Hybrid; USD 29,205 - 45,309; Part time

Job summary

Southern Arkansas University seeks a motivated part-time Communications and Engagement Intern in San Rafael. This role supports outreach through social media content, public engagement initiatives, and day-to-day communications tasks. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, bilingual in English and Spanish, and have experience in communications. Flexible scheduling is available with up to 30 hours per week. Salary ranges from $21.20 to $32.89 per hour depending on experience, with no benefits provided.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English and Spanish is highly desired.
• Experience in communications, public engagement, or related work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, write, and edit content for communications platforms.
• Document Department programs through photography and interviews.
• Support development of social media content across platforms.
• Maintain and update the Department’s website and newsletters.
• Participate in community outreach efforts.
• Track analytics and compile reports for communication strategies.

Skills

Public communications

Social media management

Media relations

Writing and editing

Graphic design tools

Bilingual (Spanish-English)

Education

Degree in communications or related field

1 year of experience in communications

Tools

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office Suite

WordPress

Mailchimp

Job description

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Part‑Time/Temporary (up to 30 hours per week)

$21.20 – $32.89 per hour

(salary dependent upon experience/qualifications)

No Benefits Available

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 26, 2026 – Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, apply early!

THE POSITION

The City of San Rafael is seeking a motivated, civic and safety‑minded Communications and Engagement Intern to support equitable outreach and engagement through the Fire Department’s external communications, digital content, and public engagement initiatives. This temporary, part‑time role is ideal for individuals interested in learning more about local government and public communications.

Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Emergency Management, the intern will assist with day‑to‑day communications tasks such as social media content creation, newsletter writing, website updates, and public information campaigns. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands‑on experience and contribute to real‑time public service storytelling and information sharing. The position will work for up to 30 hours per week (days/hours may vary) and is limited to 1,000 hours worked within a fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). No City benefits are provided.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in designing, writing, and editing content for a variety of communications platforms including websites, social media, e‑newsletters, flyers, presentations, and press materials.
• Help document Department programs and events through photography, videography, and brief interviews.
• Support the development and scheduling of social media content across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor.
• Help maintain and update the Department’s website and digital newsletters.
• Contribute to internal content calendars and project trackers.
• Participate in community outreach efforts, including tabling at events, supporting public meetings, and gathering community feedback.
• Track analytics and metrics from newsletters, social media platforms, and web traffic; monitor media coverage and social media engagement; compile analytics reports to inform communication strategies.
• Support translation coordination and multilingual content production, if bilingual (Spanish‑English) skills are present.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, curious about public service, a strong communicator, and excited to learn in a hands‑on environment. They are a self‑starter who can write clearly and adapt to a range of topics and formats.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Basic principles and practices of public communications, social media management, and/or media relations.
• Writing and editing for clarity, style, and grammar.
• Social media platforms, email marketing tools, and content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Mailchimp).
• Basic graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and video editing platforms (preferred).
• Cultural competency and sensitivity in engaging diverse communities.
• Highly preferred: fluent, professional‑level Spanish and English (both written and spoken).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED

• Fluency in English and Spanish (written and verbal) is highly desired.
• At least 1 year of experience in communications, public‑engagement, media, or related work (internships included).
• OR currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree or certificate program in communications, journalism, graphic design, public relations, public administration, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, and social media platforms.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Hybrid, temporary position limited to a maximum of 1,000 hours per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30).
• Part‑time up to 30 hours per week. Flexible scheduling is available, with occasional evening or weekend hours required for community events.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The City of San Rafael will make reasonable accommodations in the exam process to accommodate disabled applicants. If you have a disability for which you require accommodation, please contact us at (415) 485‑3474 before the test date. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Such accommodation must be requested by the applicant.