Strategic Communication Intern

City of Arvada; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Arvada Communications Department is offering a paid public relations internship to support message development, media outreach, and city program communications. Start ASAP with December 12 end date; combines hands-on PR work and project-based learning.

The internship emphasizes writing, editing, research, and engagement with diverse community audiences, with opportunities to build a portfolio and gain real government communication experience.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a bachelor’s program in communications or related field.
• Strong writing, editing, and research skills.
• Ability to translate technical information into clear messages.
• Proficiency with Google Suite; CMS knowledge helpful.
• Must be at least 18 years old; background check may be required.

Responsibilities

• Assists in implementing strategic communication plans for city projects and initiatives.
• Drafts press releases, talking points, and key messages for city programs, events, and announcements.
• Supports content creation for The Arvada Report, city newsletters, social media, and web pages.
• Researchs community trends and support audience analysis for targeted outreach campaigns.
• Participates in team meetings and brainstorming sessions.
• Assists with the coordination of community engagement activities and city events.
• Tracks and summarizes media coverage and community sentiment.
• Supports evaluation of campaign results through metrics and feedback collection.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Research

Public communications

Team collaboration

Google Suite

CMS familiarity

Policy translation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications

Public Relations or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Content Management Systems

Job description

Pay Rate

Pay Rate - $18/hr

Internship Schedule

Start ASAP - December 12.

Position Purpose

Supports the City’s Communications Department in implementing communication and engagement strategies that strengthen community trust and awareness of city services. This internship provides hands‑on experience in public relations, message development, and campaign planning within a local government setting.

Internship will be posted until filled.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists in implementing strategic communication plans for city projects and initiatives.
• Drafts press releases, talking points, and key messages for city programs, events, and announcements.
• Supports content creation for The Arvada Report, city newsletters, social media, and web pages.
• Researchs community trends and support audience analysis for targeted outreach campaigns.
• Participates in team meetings and brainstorming sessions.
• Assists with the coordination of community engagement activities and city events.
• Tracks and summarizes media coverage and community sentiment.
• Supports evaluation of campaign results through metrics and feedback collection.

Internship Structure / Outcomes

Provides a mix of entry-level type duties and the opportunity to work on a special project that aligns with the City’s strategic focus. Includes professional development sessions and exposure to city operations. Applies strategic communication planning frameworks to real‑world projects. Strengthens media relations and public information writing skills. Gains practical experience communicating with diverse community audiences. Develops a professional portfolio demonstrating PR and community engagement work. Part-time, paid position (or credit-based, if applicable), designed for students or recent graduates interested in public service communication careers.

Other Job Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong writing, editing, and research skills.
• Interest in government communication, public policy, or civic engagement.
• Ability to translate technical or policy information into clear, relatable messages.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and collaboration tools; familiarity with content management platforms helpful.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, professional environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience through coursework, student media, community engagement, or internships preferred.

Education

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a bachelor’s program.
• Major Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or related field.

Other Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must pass a criminal background check and a driving record check, if required by the position.

Physical Demands

• Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work.
• Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects.
• Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal.

Hazards

• Minimal exposure to hazards are typically found in general office environment where there is rarely to no exposure to injury or accident.

Work Environment

• Exposure to routine office noise and equipment.

Total Rewards

The City of Arvada offers a robust Total Rewards package. To find out more details, select here. The City of Arvada does not offer benefits to temporary and/or seasonal employees.

• Temporary, Variable Hour and Health Plan Eligible employees will earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum cap of 48 hours.

Vision

We Dream Big and Deliver

Mission

We are dedicated to delivering superior services to enhance the lives of everyone in our community.

Values

• Innovation: We excel in creativity, flexibility and the use of best practices while valuing diverse backgrounds, ideas and perspectives.
• Passion: We are a high performing, inclusive team inspiring each other to pursue excellence.
• Opportunity: We value our diversity, embrace possibilities, face challenges, persevere and take action to deliver quality results.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Arvada promotes Equal Pay for Equal Work.

The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

We have consistently received Top Workplace awards since 2012. Most recently, we received USA Today’s Top Workplaces Award.

I am Arvada videos show team members talking about their work with the city.