College Internship - Employee Communications Intern
Position Description
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking one (1) graduate-level Employee Communications Intern to join the Utility’s dynamic Community Affairs team. The intern will work directly with experienced professionals in the field of corporate and internal communications, marketing, and community engagement for the public sector. You will also gain valuable perspective and experience working in local government and for the Pacific Northwest’s largest public utility, while developing communication skills and knowledge.
In this role, the successful candidate will support internal communications that reach staff across the Utility. You’ll have a hand in writing and publishing employee stories, compiling weekly news and job postings, assisting with internal publications, and contributing to team projects and process improvements.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop communication skills catering to a corporate environment, specifically a public-sector organization.
- Interact and learn from an experienced group of Communications staff who have a broad range of skills, including employee communications, media relations, corporate marketing, branding, web, and public outreach and engagement.
- Gain proficiency to create clear and engaging written content for internal communications, including broadcasts, newsletters, and SharePoint updates.
- Enhance abilities to multi-task and juggle priorities.
This internship is for up to 24 months from start date or graduation, whichever comes first.
About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.
For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:
SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities
Job Responsibilities
- Writing internal messages and highlighting employee experiences
- Helping Communications staff with corporate/SPU-wide internal communication needs
- Collecting and organizing SPU weekly job postings and news highlights for internal communications
- Contributing to process improvements and documentation for internal communications
Qualifications
Education: Applicants must be currently enrolled as a graduate student pursuing a degree in: Writing, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a closely related field.
Students must be enrolled at least part-time or full-time and maintain a 3.0 GPA (graduate) for the duration of the internship.
Exception: Students do not need to be enrolled over the summer months but will need to provide at the end of Spring Quarter proof of continuing and pre-registration for the Autumn session as applicable.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Demonstrated experience writing articles or content for newsletters, blogs, or other publications.
Experience with photography and/or videography.
Customer service experience.
Additional Information
Hours:
During school sessions, work hours will be scheduled to complement class schedules (20 hours per week)
This internship opportunity may permit up to 40 hours per week during breaks and summer months.
Work is normally performed between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
Salary Information:
The full salary range for this position is: $26.71 - $26.71 per hour.
Recruiter Information:
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Vanessa Fowler at vanessa.fowler@seattle.gov
How to Apply:
Upload your college/university's unofficial transcript.
Resume identifying how you meet the qualifications of the internship.
Writing sample
Cover letter indicating your interest in this internship.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.