Communications & Public Engagement Intern

**Posting number:** 03635

**Department:** Communications & Pub Engagement

**Division:** Communications & Pub Engagement

**Job classification:** Graphic Design and Digital Engagement Intern

**Posting type:** Open

**Categories:** Graphic Arts, Internship

Summary
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The City of Lynchburg's Communications & Public Engagement Department is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and organized **Communications & Public Engagement Intern** with an interest in public service, storytelling, and digital communications. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to explore the many facets of municipal communications while working alongside a collaborative team of communications professionals.

**About the Role**

This internship is intentionally designed to provide a well-rounded experience across the many disciplines of municipal communications. Rather than focusing on a single specialty, interns will gain exposure to social media, graphic design, executive communications, media relations, event management, digital asset management, broadcast operations, and public engagement while working as part of a collaborative, cross-trained communications team.

Examples of duties
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**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** include the following. Other duties necessary to deliver services to customers and citizens may be assigned.

* Create and assist with social media content, including graphics, captions, photography, and short-form video (Reels), while identifying opportunities to incorporate current digital trends consistent with the City's brand.
* Capture, edit, organize, and archive photos and videos using City-owned equipment and the City's Digital Asset Manager (Canto) to build and maintain a high-quality media library.
* Assist with the design of engagement reports, presentations, publications, and other print and digital communication materials while ensuring consistency with the City's visual identity.
* Collaborate with Communications & Public Engagement staff on campaigns, editorial planning, special projects, and community engagement initiatives.
* Support department events, press conferences, and other public-facing activities through photography, videography, logistics, and communications assistance as needed.
* Shadow and assist team members across multiple communications disciplines—including executive communications, media relations, broadcast operations, special events, and administration—to gain a comprehensive understanding of municipal communications.
* Complete additional communications projects and administrative assignments that contribute to the department's mission and professional development.

**Content Platforms & Tools**
Gain hands-on experience with a variety of professional tools and platforms, including:

* Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, Express)
* Canto Digital Asset Manager
* Meta Business Suite and other social media platforms
* Microsoft Office and Teams
* Photography and video production equipment

**Ideal Candidate Traits**

* Strong interest in communications, public relations, marketing, or graphic design
* Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud and basic design principles
* Comfortable creating social media content and understanding current digital trends
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Strong organizational and time-management abilities
* Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize multiple projects
* Creative thinker with a willingness to learn new skills
* Positive attitude and collaborative spirit
* Interest in public service and community engagement

**SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES**
None

Qualifications
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**Internship Details**

* Open to **college juniors, seniors, and graduate students**
* Interns are expected to work **10–15 hours per week**, including some **evenings and weekends** for event coverage
* Reports to a **Communications Manager**in the department
* Candidates must submit a **cover letter, resume**, and a **link to a portfolio or samples**demonstrating writing, graphic design, photography, video, social media, or other communications work

This internship offers a front-row seat to the creative work that drives government transparency, community engagement, and public trust in Lynchburg. Whether your passion lies in **design**, **storytelling**, or **public communications**, this opportunity will build your portfolio and deepen your real-world skills.