Communications and Marketing - Work- Study

Housing Authority of the City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin is offering a Communications & Marketing Intern position in Austin, TX. The role focuses on storytelling, digital communications, and supporting branding efforts across internal and external channels.

Responsibilities include managing web and intranet content, creating graphics, photography, social media content, and coordinating outreach materials. The internship requires in-person work up to 24 hours per week and collaboration with multiple teams.

Qualifications

• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, organization, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, take feedback, and work independently or with others.
• Comfort working professionally with residents, staff, partners, and the public with empathy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or comparable productivity tools.
• Schedule: in-person in Austin for up to 24 hours per week around academic commitments.

Responsibilities

• Web & Intranet Content Management: build, update, and organize pages and content.
• Graphic Design & Creative Assets: create graphics for social, newsletters, and materials.
• Photography & Media Coverage: photograph events and program activities; archive assets.
• Content Creation & Social Media: draft, edit, and proofread materials; support planning and tracking.
• Branding & Marketing Support: assist with branding, campaigns, and outreach materials.
• Community Storytelling: gather stories, photos, and program information.
• Administrative & Event Support: assist with events, media activities, and content calendars.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Proofreading

Organization

Attention to detail

Task management

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Tools

SharePoint

Canva

Adobe Creative Cloud

Content Management Systems

Job description

Job Notice

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Open Until Filled

Established in 1937, Austin Housing Authority (AHA) is a national leader in providing safe, healthy and affordable housing options for the Austin community. AHA's mission is to cultivate sustainable affordable housing communities and partnerships that inspire self-reliance, growth and optimism.

Position: Communications and Marketing Intern

Established in 1937, Austin Housing Authority (AHA) is a national leader in providing safe, healthy and affordable housing options for the Austin community. AHA's mission is to cultivate sustainable affordable housing communities and partnerships that inspire self-reliance, growth and optimism.

Austin Housing Authority (AHA) is seeking a creative, motivated Communications & Marketing Intern to support our dynamic communications team. This is a hands-on opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that strengthen AHA's brand, promote its values, and advance its strategic goals. The intern will assist in crafting strategic messaging, creating engaging content, and distributing it across digital and traditional platforms. AHA has been a leader in affordable housing in the City of Austin for more than 85 years. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, local government entities, and numerous non-profit agencies, AHA provides access to safe, stable housing to over 20,000 individuals.

What You Will Do In This Position

The ideal candidate for this internship will be proactive, detail-oriented intern with a passion for storytelling, community impact, and digital communications. This role requires collaboration with internal teams and provides opportunities to contribute ideas and gain experience in various facets of communications and marketing.

Key Responsibilities

• Web & Intranet Content Management (50%): Build, update, and organize webpages and intranet content. This includes creating page layouts, text, images, links, and implementing basic user-experience improvements.
• Graphic Design & Creative Assets
• Create graphics for social media, newsletters, presentations, flyers, webpages, digital displays, and other print and digital communications.

Photography & Media Coverage

• Photograph community events, resident programs, staff activities, and other agency initiatives. Organize, archive, and prepare images for communications use.

Content Creation & Social Media

• Draft, edit, and proofread content for social media, email communications, newsletters, webpages, presentations, and other public-facing materials. Support social media planning, scheduling, content development, and performance tracking.

Branding & Marketing Support

• Assist with agency branding and marketing efforts, including the implementation of brand standards, promotional campaigns, outreach materials, and strategic plan milestones.

Community Storytelling

• Help gather stories, interviews, photos, and program information that highlight residents, employees, partners, properties, and agency impact.

Administrative & Event Support

• Assist with communications support for community events, media activities, public meetings, staff initiatives, and special campaigns. Conduct research and maintain content calendars and project files.

Minimum Qualifications

• Skills: Strong writing, editing, proofreading, organization, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Task Management: Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet strict deadlines, accept constructive feedback, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Interpersonal: Comfort working professionally with residents, staff, community partners, and members of the public with empathy and respect.
• Software: Proficiency with Microsoft Office or comparable productivity tools.
• Schedule: Ability to work in person in Austin for up to 24 hours per week, with scheduling coordinated around academic commitments and agency needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or coursework in web design, webpage development, content management systems, SharePoint, intranet development, or user experience.
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, or After Effects), or other graphic design and photo-editing tools.
• Photography, videography, video editing, social media scheduling tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Constant Contact), or digital content creation experience.
• A portfolio or work samples demonstrating writing, design, photography, web, or marketing skills.
• Knowledge of or interest in affordable housing, public service, community development, or mission-driven communications.
• Spanish-language proficiency is helpful but not required.

Intern Guidelines & Expectations

• Treat residents and staff with respect and empathy.
• Use only approved AHA branding and templates.
• Route all media inquiries or sensitive questions to the Sr. Director of Strategic Communications.
• Always obtain approval before publishing content.
• Be accompanied by a staff member during any resident interviews.
• Complete training in trauma-informed storytelling, graphic design, and AHA brand standards.

Internship Term & Future Opportunities

• Initial Term: Through December 31, 2026.
• Extension Opportunities: Based on performance, project needs, funding, scheduling, and academic eligibility, the internship may be extended into the spring and summer semesters for up to one full year. Any extension is discretionary and not guaranteed.
• Professional Development Notice: This internship is designed as a temporary educational and professional development opportunity. It is not an entry point or a direct path to future employment with AHA. Interns are welcome to apply for publicly posted full-time positions via the standard competitive hiring process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

No applications will be accepted after the noted closing dates on the job announcement.

AHA is a drug-free workplace. A Criminal Background Check including a sex offender registry check. A Driving Record, Texas Driver's License, and a Physical/Drug Screening will be required upon offer of employment.