Community Relations Intern

About the Role

The Community Relations Intern supports and helps implement communications and marketing strategies to inform and engage the City of Hilliard community. This 10- to 12-week internship involves developing written and visual content for social media, websites, newsletters, and other City communication tools, as well as attending and communicating about summer special events.

Schedule:

• Most work occurs during standard business hours, Monday through Friday.
• Interns will not work more than 40 hours per week.
• Requires scheduling flexibility for evening and occasional weekend events.

Key Responsibilities

• Creates engaging written and visual content, including photography, graphics, and short-form video, for social media channels, the 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.
• 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 to inform residents and encourage 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 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 highlighting their work and connecting residents with City services and resources.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Knowledge of AP Style and basic rules of grammar and spelling.
• Familiarity with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn).
• Creative mindset with an interest in photography, videography, graphic design, and visual storytelling.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Comfortable interacting professionally and courteously with City staff and the public.
• Working knowledge of and ability to effectively use general software, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Teams.
• Experience with graphic design, photo, or video editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.
• A portfolio or examples of previous writing, photography, video, or other creative work is encouraged.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

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.
• Understanding of how to create content for digital audiences.