Intern - Digital Media

City of Lancaster (PA); Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lancaster seeks a creative Digital Media Intern to support the Mayor’s Office communications and public engagement efforts. This internship focuses on creating short-form video and visual content that clearly communicates the City’s work to residents.

Responsibilities include planning, shooting, and editing for platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook, with captions and basic graphics to improve accessibility.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program (communication, media studies, journalism, marketing, film/video, or a related field)
• Demonstrated interest in short-form video and digital storytelling
• Experience creating content for social media platforms
• Experience shooting and editing video using a smartphone or camera
• Comfort using video editing tools (e.g., Edits, CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Plan, shoot, and edit short-form video content for the City of Lancaster’s digital platforms
• Capture video and photos at City events, press conferences, community meetings, and other public spaces
• Edit content into concise, accessible, and engaging videos suitable for platforms such as Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook
• Add captions, on-screen text, and basic graphics to improve clarity and accessibility
• Assist with content planning and brainstorming story ideas that highlight City initiatives, services, and employees
• Organize and maintain a library of photos and video assets
• Support the Mayor’s Office communications team with other digital media tasks as needed

Skills

Short-form video

Digital storytelling

Social media content

Video shooting

Video editing

Education

Undergraduate student in relevant field

Tools

Edits

CapCut

Adobe Premiere Pro

Final Cut Pro

Job description

The City of Lancaster is seeking a creative and motivated Digital Media Intern to support the Mayor’s Office communications and public engagement efforts. This intern will focus on creating short-form video and visual content that helps tell the story of the City of Lancaster’s work in a clear, engaging, and resident-friendly way. This role is ideal for a student interested in digital media, communication, journalism, marketing, or public service who wants hands-on experience creating content for real audiences in a local government setting.

• Plan, shoot, and edit short-form video content for the City of Lancaster’s digital platforms
• Capture video and photos at City events, press conferences, community meetings, and other public spaces
• Edit content into concise, accessible, and engaging videos suitable for platforms such as Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook
• Add captions, on-screen text, and basic graphics to improve clarity and accessibility
• Assist with content planning and brainstorming story ideas that highlight City initiatives, services, and employees
• Organize and maintain a library of photos and video assets
• Support the Mayor’s Office communications team with other digital media tasks as needed

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program (communication, media studies, journalism, marketing, film/video, or a related field)
• Demonstrated interest in short-form video and digital storytelling
• Experience creating content for social media platforms
• Experience shooting and editing video using a smartphone or camera
• Comfort using video editing tools (e.g., Edits, CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with captioning and accessibility best practices
• Basic graphic design or motion graphics experience
• Photography skills
• Ability to write concise, clear captions or scripts
• Ability to read/write/speak Spanish

• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
• Interest in public service and local government communications
• Proven ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate successfully with others
• Proven ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making improvements in work processes and operations
• Proven ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement
• Commitment to equity and the City of Lancaster’s Core Values (Quality, Teamwork, Integrity, Respect)

Learning Opportunities

The intern will gain experience in:

• Digital communications in a Mayor’s Office
• Short-form video production for public-sector audiences
• Covering events and initiatives in a municipal environment
• Working within brand, legal, and accessibility guidelines
• Understanding how local government communicates with residents

Compensation

• $15/hour, up to 130 hours
• Not eligible for benefits
• The City will work with the intern’s college advisors to aid the intern in receiving academic credit for the internship experience