About the role#
The Communications & Community Engagement Intern supports public information, digital communications, and community engagement projects for the Department of Community Development. Working under the direction of the Communications & Outreach Lead, you will research, develop, and produce content for public-facing channels while gaining experience in local government communications. This is an unpaid internship for Winter 2027.
What you'll do#
- Research topics and gather or create information, images, and materials for public communications and community engagement projects.
- Write and edit audience-focused content for websites, digital communications, and outreach materials.
- Support accessible web content development, including preparing reviewed content for publication, formatting information, and performing quality assurance.
- Develop digital storytelling content explaining DCD programs, projects, and community engagement activities.
- Plan and produce short-form promotional videos, including scripting, recording, editing, and captioning.
- Apply accessibility, plain-language, and County communication standards to digital content.
- Support community outreach activities, events, and partnership efforts.
- Research communication approaches from other organizations and present recommendations to staff.
- Participate in project planning, staff discussions, and review processes, incorporating feedback into completed work.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as a sophomore, junior, or senior in planning, communications, GIS, or a related field.
- Alternatively, graduation within the last 6 months from a bachelor's program in these fields, or graduation followed by enrollment in a related higher education program.
- Basic understanding of digital communication tools, specifically web content development, digital storytelling, and short-form video production.
- Comfort learning new software to support public-facing communication projects.
- Attention to accuracy, clarity, and consistency when researching, writing, and editing content.
- Ability to independently research a communication need, develop and present potential approaches, and revise work to meet County standards.
- Ability to authorize and complete a criminal background check.
- Ability to pass job-related examinations or tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge and skills.
Location & details#
- Location: Port Orchard, Washington.
- Modality: On-site.
- Commitment: 15 hours per week.
- Compensation: This is an unpaid internship.
About Kitsap County
Kitsap County is a government agency based in Port Orchard, Washington. Founded in 1857, it provides public services to approximately 251,000 residents across the Kitsap Peninsula. The organization employs 754 people who manage departments such as public works, law enforcement, and community development. It utilizes the PEAK program to focus on process improvement and professional development for its staff.
How to get in at Kitsap County
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