Community Relations Intern

City of Hilliard, Ohio USA; Hilliard (OH); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hilliard, Ohio USA seeks a Community Relations Intern to support communications and marketing efforts. You will create written and visual content for social media, websites, newsletters, and other City channels, and assist with news stories, events, and outreach under supervision.

The role emphasizes AP Style knowledge, digital storytelling, and collaboration with City departments to engage residents and inform the community.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or recently graduated from a relevant program.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Familiar with major social platforms and digital content.
• Interest in photography, videography and graphic design.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Portfolio or sample work encouraged.
• Knowledge of AP Style is useful for news and communications.

Responsibilities

• Creates engaging written and visual content for social media, websites, newsletters, and City channels.
• Assists with developing, writing, editing and proofreading news stories and materials.
• Captures photos and video at City events and programs.
• Plans and schedules social media content to inform residents and boost engagement.
• Supports digital communications such as newsletters and website updates.
• Researches trends to inform City communications strategies.
• Assists with events and public outreach projects.
• Applies City branding and collaborates with departments.

Skills

Writing & editing

Social media content creation

Photography & videography

Graphic design & visual storytelling

Organization & attention to detail

Team collaboration & independence

Professional communication

Education

Enrolled in or recently graduated in communications/public relations/journalism/marketing/digital media

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Teams

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

Job description

Ready to turn your creativity and communication skills into real-world experience? Make an impact this summer through public relations and community engagement.

Under the general supervision of the Director of Community Relations, the Community Relations Intern supports and helps implement communications and marketing strategies that inform and engage the City of Hilliard community. Working alongside the professional members of the City’s public relations and marketing team, the intern will help develop written and visual content for social media, websites, newsletters, and other City communications tools. This 10- to 12-week internship will include attendance at and communication of many of our fun summer special events.

Schedule:

Most work will happen during the standard business day of Monday through Friday. Interns will not work more than 40 hours per week. This opportunity does require some scheduling flexibility, as some events and activities occur in the evening and on occasional weekends.

Timeline of Recruitment:

Applications will be collected through December 10th. We will then review applications and conduct interviews in January.

Essential Functions of Work:

Creates engaging written and visual content, including photography, graphics and short-form video, for the City's social media channels, website, newsletters and other communication platforms.

Assists with developing, writing, editing and proofreading news stories, social media posts, newsletters, marketing materials and other public-facing communications.

Has knowledge of AP Style and basic rules of grammar and spelling.

Captures photos and video at City events, programs and activities to highlight community happenings, City services and initiatives.

Assists with planning, creating and scheduling social media content that informs residents and encourages community engagement.

Supports the development and distribution of digital communications, including email newsletters and website updates.

Researches communications trends, community topics and content ideas to help inform the City's communications strategies.

Assists with special events, public outreach initiatives and other Community Relations projects.

Applies use of the City brand.

Collaborates with City departments to gather information and develop content that highlights their work and connects residents with City services and resources.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university program in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, digital media, or a related field.

Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Canva, etc.) and an understanding of how to create content for digital audiences.

Creative mindset with an interest in photography, videography, graphic design and visual storytelling.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to work independently while also collaborating with a team.

Comfortable interacting professionally and courteously with City staff and members of the public.

Must have working knowledge of and be able to effectively use general software, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Teams. Experience with graphic design, photo or video editing software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, is a plus.

A portfolio or examples of previous writing, photography, video or other creative work is encouraged.