Digital Communications Intern

The City of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 31,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free transit pass

Paid sick leave after 90 days

Defined Benefit Plan (SDCERS)

Job summary

The City of San Diego’s Council District 7 seeks a Digital Communications Intern to support communications and community engagement, with hands-on experience in photography, videography, and media relations. You’ll help develop content informing residents about City services, events, policy initiatives, and infrastructure projects.

You will design graphics, script social media copy, and assist at press conferences, while building a portfolio of city communications work in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Current student or recent graduate with an interest in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, graphic design, political science, public administration, or a related field.
• Strong written communication and copywriting skills.
• Interest or experience in graphic design, photography, videography, or video editing.
• Familiarity with major social media platforms and digital content trends.
• Ability to communicate complex information in clear, concise, and engaging formats.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced public-service environment.

Responsibilities

• Design digital and print graphics for social media, newsletters, community events, public information campaigns, and other Council District communications.
• Create, edit, and publish digital content for the office's social media platforms.
• Assist with photography and videography at community events, press conferences, City Hall activities, and other Council District engagements.
• Edit short-form videos, reels, interviews, event recaps, and other multimedia content for digital platforms.
• Draft social media copy, captions, event announcements, community updates, and other public-facing communications.
• Assist staff with planning and executing press conferences, media availabilities, community announcements, and other press events.
• Help identify opportunities to highlight District 7 residents, neighborhoods, businesses, organizations, programs, and community accomplishments.
• Maintain organized digital photo, video, and graphic libraries for future communications use.
• Assist with monitoring social media engagement and identifying opportunities to improve the office's digital communications.
• Provide general communications and administrative support as needed.

Skills

Graphic design

Photography

Videography

Video editing

Copywriting

Social media

Content design

Education

Communications

Journalism

Public relations

Marketing

Tools

Graphic design software

Video editing software

Job description

Job Req ID: 1020

Division: City Council - Place 7

Salary Range: $19.47 to $22.75

Job Type: Unclassified

Business Area: Council District 7

Personnel Area: City Council- District 7

Closing Date: 10/14/2026

Position Title: Digital Communications Intern

Office: City of San Diego – Council District 7

Location: San Diego, California

Position Type: Student Internship

Position Overview

The City of San Diego's 7th Council District is seeking a creative, motivated, and detail-oriented Digital Communications Intern to support the office's communications and community engagement efforts. This internship provides hands-on experience in photography, videography, and media relations.

The Digital Communications Intern will work closely with Council District staff to develop engaging content that informs residents about City services, community events, policy initiatives, infrastructure projects, and the work of the Council District 7 office.

Responsibilities

• Design digital and print graphics for social media, newsletters, community events, public information campaigns, and other Council District communications.
• Create, edit, and publish digital content for the office's social media platforms.
• Assist with photography and videography at community events, press conferences, City Hall activities, and other Council District engagements.
• Edit short-form videos, reels, interviews, event recaps, and other multimedia content for digital platforms.
• Draft social media copy, captions, event announcements, community updates, and other public-facing communications.
• Assist staff with planning and executing press conferences, media availabilities, community announcements, and other press events.
• Help identify opportunities to highlight District 7 residents, neighborhoods, businesses, organizations, programs, and community accomplishments.
• Maintain organized digital photo, video, and graphic libraries for future communications use.
• Assist with monitoring social media engagement and identifying opportunities to improve the office's digital communications.
• Provide general communications and administrative support as needed.

Qualifications

• Current student or recent graduate with an interest in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, graphic design, political science, public administration, or a related field.
• Strong written communication and copywriting skills.
• Interest or experience in graphic design, photography, videography, or video editing.
• Familiarity with major social media platforms and digital content trends.
• Ability to communicate complex information in clear, concise, and engaging formats.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced public-service environment.
• Experience with graphic design and video editing software is preferred but not required.

Internship Experience

The internship will provide practical experience in government communications while allowing the intern to build a portfolio of professional work. The intern will gain exposure to local government, media relations, community engagement, public affairs, and the development of digital communications for an elected official's office.

Overview

The City of San Diego consists of more than 30 operational departments. Internships are available when project-based opportunities arise amongst departments. With general supervision, an internship provides part-time employment opportunities for students enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program to gain hands-on experience related to their career interests or area of study.

Example Of Duties

Duties and responsibilities assigned to interns will vary depending on the department they are assigned; these include but are not limited to: assisting with planning events, conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, assisting with projects, preparing reports and presentations, attending internal and external stakeholders' meetings, and field work. Work will be project-based, temporary, and not compromise the work of a bargaining unit employee.

Minimum Requirements

• 15 ½ years of age or older.
• Must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.
• Requirements vary and are based on the department and specific internship role.
• Must be enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program.

Compensation & Benefits

• Internships may be paid or unpaid, based on availability of funds. Paid internships will be compensated at an hourly rate consistent with Exhibit C of the Salary Ordinance and commensurate with an applicant's education level.
• Not eligible to receive paid vacation leave, paid holidays, and/or any type of City-sponsored insurance.
• Will participate in the City's Defined Benefit Plan administered by the San Diego City Employees' Retirement System (SDCERS).
• Will receive a free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
• Will accrue paid sick leave while employed in a paid internship (eligible for use after 90 days of employment).