Communications Intern

, Iowa

Office Hours: varies

Position Title: Communications Intern

Department: Administration

Supervisors: Communications Coordinator and Media Production Services Coordinator

Introduction: We provide a full range of services to local residents, including police and fire protection, construction and maintenance of roads, streets and infrastructure, inspection and licensing functions, a municipal airport, library, recreational activities and cultural events, public transportation, water and sewer service, storm management, on and off-street parking, and more.

The Communications Office serves as the central hub for City information, providing a multitude of ways for residents to stay informed and engaged with their city government and community. The Cable TV Office is a part of the Communications Office and provides multimedia services to City departments and divisions, records the events and activities of local non-profit organizations, and creates video content for the City’s social media platforms.

Job Summary:

Under supervision and dependent on experience and skill-level, this intern will observe and participate in communications activities essential for informing the public of city government-related policies, projects, and programs, and will assist with highlighting community events and other activities. This will include the creation of written materials as well as multimedia content.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists professional staff with video production related activities, including, but not limited to: setup and teardown of specialized audio and video equipment, scripting, recording video, creating program graphics, and editing video programs using professional software.
Receives on-the-job training for specialized equipment such as video cameras, video switchers, audio mixers, lighting devices, and live streaming equipment.
Assists with planning, conducting, and recording interviews for video projects.
Opportunity to create social media design for digital engagement using Canva software.
Opportunity to draft news releases for general public or internal staff announcements.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace and community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned and all requirements of specific academic programs.

Physical Conditions:

Ability to withstand occasional environmental conditions such as dirt and dust, extreme temperatures, noise and vibration, and wetness and humidity; ability to perform extensive standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, crouching, squatting, bending, and twisting while holding and operating equipment; ability to lift equipment weighing 35 to 50 pounds; intern may be exposed to mechanical or electrical hazards.

Minimum Requirements:

Interest in communications, journalism, media production, or related fields; basic computer skills; ability to receive and follow written and oral directions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of basic communications practices, writing, interviewing, photography, videography, scripting, audio, lighting, graphic design, and video editing desired.

THIS DESCRIPTION DOES NOT LIST ALL DUTIES. INTERN MAY BE ASKED TO PERFORM OTHER DUTIES BY THE STAFF OR SUPERVISOR. INTERN WILL BE EVALUATED ON PERFORMANCE OF THE PROJECTS LISTED AS WELL AS INTERACTION WITH EMPLOYEES AND CLIENTS. ON-SITE HOURS WILL BE NEGOTIATED WITH EACH CANDIDATE.

SAFETY EXPECTATIONS, INCLUDING HARASSMENT, SHOULD BE REVIEWED WITH THE HOST.

Check out Iowa Workforce Development – A Guide for Employers … http://publications.iowa.gov/18470/1/iowateens.pdf

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