| Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking three (3) graduate level Communication interns. The interns will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals in the field of corporate communications for the public sector. Interns will gain valuable perspective about working in local government and for a municipal utility, while developing communications skills and knowledge. Ideal candidates are individuals interested in careers in government and/or communications.
Two of the internships will support internal and external communications using digital and web communication technologies, requiring experience or an aptitude for quickly learning new technologies related to websites (intranet and public facing), digital signage software (RMG Networks) and social media including blog posts, Twitter and Nextdoor. The third internship will support community outreach and public engagement work around capital (infrastructure) improvement projects and programs.
The interns will report to SPU Corporate Communications Division, which supports the utility’s approach to being community-centered and its four lines of business including drinking water, wastewater, drainage, and garbage/composting.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop work-related experience, including communication and organizational skills and abilities to work in a corporate environment, specifically a public-sector organization.
- Interact and learn from an experienced group of Communications professionals who have a broad range of skills sets including employee communications, media relations, corporate marketing, branding, web, and public outreach.
- Develop web and digital technical experience including social media skills, as well as business writing and editing and graphics and layout knowledge.
- Enhance abilities to multi-task and juggle priorities while delivering at a tactical level but with an understanding of a strategic perspective.
- Gain knowledge of an organization and its approach as a community centered utility and an emphasis on race and service equity.
The projected start date for these internships is mid- to late-May. The internships may last up to 18 months or graduation, whichever comes first. We require a 1-year commitment for each internship. |
| Position 1
Internal (employee) communications
The intern will support technologies and write content and prepare images and graphics for a range of employee communications, as well as maintaining editorial calendars and archiving site content. Ideal candidate will have graphics and design/layout skills as well as an interest and willingness to support photography and video production. In addition, the individual will need strong writing and editing skills.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Field digital signage. The intern will be responsible for learning and managing the digital signage technology (RMG Networks software) used to communicate to employees located in remote offices. Included will be developing news and information or repackaging existing content to be posted and displayed on about a dozen electronic reader boards throughout SPU. The intern will also be responsible for coordinating and communicating with field liaisons about content ideas and periodically visiting remote sites. Some interaction and teaming with staff in the City’s Technology Department may also be needed to report and troubleshoot system issues.
- Internal Website. The individual will be responsible for helping to write content and post articles on the department’s intranet site. The intern will learn the current Oracle Content Management System, which may be migrated to SharePoint Online late 2018. Responsibilities include a fun mix of technical skills and creativity in successfully writing web content, both short and longer feature pieces. The intern will also take photos and produce graphics and prepare them for the web via PhotoShop.
- Broadcast email system. The intern will provide support in managing the department’s broadcast email system, including distributing messages via Outlook and maintaining an archive system.
- Other. The intern will help with other general internal communications needs, such as PowerPoint presentations, flyers, newsletters, community notices and mailings. Responsibilities could also involve projects using SurveyMonkey and video production. Training will be available as needed. The intern may also attend city and SPU meetings, cultural and media events.
Time breakdown:
40% of time: Digital signage
- Repackage (edit) existing content from SPU’s intranet site, website, email and other SPU sources to be used for the digital signage system
- Research and develop new content relevant to field employees.
- Program content regularly (daily, weekly or as needed) for the digital signage software system.
40% of time: Internal website
- Write content and produce graphics and photos for daily/weekly intranet content, then help to post in Content Management System.
- Maintain editorial calendar, follow and use archiving system for site assets.
- Track web traffic via web analytics.
10% of time: Broadcast email system
- Learn and help manage broadcast email system, which uses Outlook.
- Maintain editorial calendar and archiving system for broadcast messages.
- Occasionally write messages and/or proofread content.
10% of time: Other
- Participate in compiling and distributing a daily, internal News Roundup.
- Produce support for other communication products, such as newsletters, flyers, community notices, mailings, and others as assigned.
- Develop occasional short videos as needed.
Required Qualifications (Qualifications/skills the intern must perform capably):
- Ability to learn and operate new and different technology (digital signage software system, intranet Content Management System)
- A self-starter, flexible, and interest in being visually creative and engaging using graphics
- Skilled at editing text, photos and videos
- Experienced with page/screen layout and some graphic design
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Flexibility to juggle multiple projects, meet deadlines and prioritize workload
- Positive attitude and ability to work with a variety of people at different levels of the organization
Position 2
Marketing, Graphic Design, and Digital Media
The intern will produce a wide range of electronic and printed marketing materials for SPU programs and initiatives. Products will include flyers, posters, postcards, social media posts, infographics, web advertisements, and more. This intern will also contribute to social media efforts, including campaign strategy, content development, and customer engagement. Though not required, the ideal candidate will have experience with or interest in producing short videos, primarily for use on social media. This position requires experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or InDesign, as well as familiarity with social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook) and dashboards such as Hootsuite. Experience with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro is a plus.
Time breakdown:
70% of time: Marketing, Graphic Design, Digital Media
- Design and production of marketing materials (including but not limited to flyers, posters, postcards, social media posts, infographics, web advertisements) using Adobe Creative Suite programs such as InDesign and Photoshop
- Social media content creation and planning
- Support print and distribution coordination for marketing and communications collateral
- Support and/or lead in-house video production (concept development, filming, audio recording, editing, distribution strategy)
- Coordination of graphic design or videography contract work for large-scale projects and campaigns
- Support other marketing efforts as opportunities arise.
15% of time: Media Tracking
- Participate in compiling and distributing a daily, internal News Roundup.
- Track media coverage of SPU on social media platforms.
15% of time: Support for other communications work as opportunities as they arise
Required Qualifications (Qualifications/skills the intern must perform capably):
- Organized and able to manage multiple projects and timelines with limited supervisory guidance
- Strong written communication skills with experience writing content for blogs and social media
- Creative, flexible, and willing to think outside the box
- Experience in graphic design and familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or InDesign.
Position 3
Community outreach and public engagement
The intern will support community outreach and public engagement for SPU’s capital improvement projects and programs. Intern responsibilities include support for outreach database, developing outreach plans, reviewing and editing content for websites, developing outreach materials (fact sheets, construction notices, traffic advisories, and press releases), and planning and staffing at community meetings and outreach events.
Time breakdown:
60% of time: Support community outreach strategies and tactics:
- Assist communications lead in developing outreach plans and stakeholder analyses
- Draft letters, notices, and press releases
- Develop community outreach materials
- Monitor public comments and questions on assigned projects and assist in drafting responses
- Provide community meeting/event support
- Assist with post-construction communication surveys and with analyzing survey results.
20% of time: Support outreach database
- Input CIP project data
- Develop standards and protocols for data
- Coordinate training for CIP team and other SPU staff
- Help troubleshoot issues and coordinate fixes.
20% of time: Support for other communications work as opportunities as needed, including:
- Assist with review and production of web content for internal and project websites
- Participate in compiling and distributing a daily, internal News Roundup.
Required Qualifications (Qualifications/skills the intern must perform capably):
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Flexibility to juggle multiple projects, meet deadlines and prioritize workload
- Attention to detail and experience with databases
- Experience in drafting professional e-mails and promptly responding to the public
- Experience with creating materials for the public
- Familiarity and interest in public engagement strategies, community outreach, developing and implementing communications plans
- Interest in informing and engaging the public on capital and construction projects that are essential for delivering utility services.
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