UNPAID INTERNSHIP - COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH

Job Description

OVERVIEW

The Communications & Community Engagement Intern will support public information, digital communications, and community engagement projects for the Department of Community Development. Working under the direction of the Communications & Outreach Lead, the intern will have opportunities to research, develop, and produce content for public-facing communication channels while gaining experience in local government communications.

Duties may include:
• Researching topics and gathering or creating information, images, and other materials to support public communications and community engagement projects.
• Writing and editing clear, audience-focused content for websites, digital communications, and outreach materials.
• Supporting the development and maintenance of accessible web content, including preparing reviewed content for publication, formatting information, and performing quality assurance.
• Developing digital storytelling content that helps explain DCD programs, projects and community engagement activities.
• Planning and producing short-form promotional video content, including basic scripting, recording, editing, and captioning.
• Applying accessibility, plain-language, and County communication standards to digital content.
• Supporting community outreach activities, events, and partnership efforts as opportunities arise.
• Researching communication approaches and examples from other organizations and presenting ideas or recommendations to staff.
• Participating in project planning, staff discussions, and review processes and incorporating feedback into completed work.
• Performing other related communications and outreach assignments appropriate to the internship. Potential Spring 2027 projects include development of digital storytelling for the Read, Roam, Rules program, preparation of previously reviewed content for the County's new website, and creation of shortform promotional or how-to videos.

Desired Skills:
The ideal intern will demonstrate strong writing and research skills, creativity, attention to detail, and an interest in public-sector or community communications. Candidates should be comfortable researching a topic independently, organizing information from multiple sources, developing ideas, and learning new digital tools.

Experience or coursework in one or more of the following areas is desirable:
• Digital storytelling and web content development
• GIS, interactive mapping or other map-based storytelling tools
• Short-form video production and editing
• Photography and visual communication
• Graphic design or digital media
• Web and digital accessibility
• Plain-language or audience-focused writing

The intern should be comfortable receiving a project objective, researching potential approaches, developing and presenting recommendations, incorporating feedback, and revising work.

Learning Opportunities:
The internship will provide practical experience in public-sector communications and community engagement, including digital storytelling, accessible web content, plain-language writing and short-form video production. Depending on project needs and the intern’s skills, opportunities may also include GIS or map-based storytelling, photography, and other visual approaches to communicating about places and community experiences.
The intern will gain experience working with subject-matter experts, developing communications for diverse public audiences, applying accessibility standards, and taking projects from research and concept development through review and final production.

What you bring:

• Educational Excellence:
  • Currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior or senior in planning, communications, GIS, or a related field.
  • Post-graduate eligibility:
    • Graduated within the last 6 months from a college or university with a bachelor's degree in planning, communications, GIS or related field OR
    • Graduated and continued to a related higher education program.
  • Technical Foundation: Basic understanding of digital communication tools and principles, particularly those related to web content development, digital storytelling, and short-form video production. Comfortable learning new software to support public-facing communication projects.
  • Attention to Detail: A keen eye for accuracy, clarity, and consistency when researching topics, writing and editing content, preparing materials for publication, and ensuring accessibility and quality assurance across digital platforms.
  • Project Readiness: Ability to independently research a communication need, develop and present potential approaches, incorporate feedback from project stakeholders, and revise work to meet County communication and accessibility standards

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Covered by the Kitsap County Extra Help Policy
• Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:
  • Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
  • Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
  • Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration.
• Supervision:
  • Intern will receive supervision from an administrative superior as assigned.
  • Work is performed in accordance with established policies and accepted practices.
  • Work is reviewed through status reports, meeting and observations.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• Work hours for this position are 15 hours per week. Schedule to be determined.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.

No benefits are offered with this position exceptthose required by the state or federal law.

Closing Date/Time: 11/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific