Position Description

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

The intern works in the Communications Division within the Office of General Manager. The intern collaborates across the Communications team to ensure messaging aligns with organizational goals, while gaining hands-on experience in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with both employees and external stakeholders.

The communications intern, reporting to the internal communications manager, plays a key role in supporting both internal and external communications initiatives.

Primary responsibilities include drafting engaging content tailored for diverse audiences, contributing to the planning and execution of social media campaigns, and assisting in the creation of people-focused stories, such as employee profiles, that highlight the human side of the organization.

Job Responsibilities

Content Creation: Pitch and draft employee newsletter and customer-facing blog content to inform and engage employees and customers.
Employee Profiles Series: Coordinate and develop a regular series of employee profiles, showcasing the stories and contributions of team members to foster a sense of connection and community.
Social Media Campaigns: Contribute to the planning, development, and execution of social media campaigns to enhance engagement and visibility.
People-Driven Content: Assist in creating human-centered stories and features that highlight the organization's culture and values.
Community Outreach: Assist with assembling tabling kits, ensuring materials are well-organized and aligned with event goals, and provide on-site support at community events to help represent the organization effectively.
Track Metrics: Monitor and analyze metrics for content featured in the employee newsletter and posted to the employee intranet (internal website), and enter data entry primarily related to customer feedback.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Education: Enrolled in an accredited certificate, 2-year or 4-year undergraduate educational program during their internship.

Preferred Areas of Study: Enrolled in an academic program with focus on Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Digital Media, Political Science, Business Administration, or related field.

Undergraduate students will need to maintain a 2.0 GPA or above throughout the internship.

Desired Qualifications:

Possess strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills
Experience using Microsoft Office Suite
Familiarity with Associated Press writing style
Experience writing, creating, and publishing content to social media platforms
Proficiency using social media management software, such as Hootsuite
Photography or graphic and/or video editing skills in Canva, Adobe Photoshop, In Design, or Premiere Pro
Strong interpersonal skills
Curiosity and a creative mindset

Additional Information

Schedule: Intern will work up-to 20 hours/weeks while school is in session. Up-to 40 hours/week during school breaks. Work hours can be scheduled between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Salary: Undergraduate students will be paid $22.56 - $22.56 an hour.

Application Process

To complete your application, submit the online form with the following attachments:

Resume
Cover letter explaining how your coursework, activities, and experience qualify you for this internship.
Your unofficial transcript - including current coursework, next term registration (if available at the time of application).

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Internship Duration and Hours: Year-long: The timeframe of this internship will be one year in duration, with either a May (semester schools) or June (quarter schools) 2026 start date. Working hours are up to 40 per week during the summer, and a max of 20 per week during the academic year.

Hybrid Work: The City has the expectation that interns will be readily available to report to onsite at work in Seattle in accordance with the current Mayoral mandate of a minimum of 3 days per week. Additional in-person work requirements are based on business need and determined by the hiring authority.

Interns must have a Washington State address and live in Washington State at the time of hire and for the duration of their employment.

Benefits: Interns do not receive benefits but can obtain a subsidized ORCA pass and accrue sick time that can be used after 90 days of employment.

Other Benefits Includes

Professional and educational development

Meaningful and educational opportunities that compliment your academic program.
Establish effective networking relationships with professional staff, which may be beneficial to future career development.
Access to City sponsored trainings and professional development modules.
Diverse array of work experiences, responsibilities, and opportunities to help make Seattle a great place to live, work, and play.
Working for the city builds your career and your community.

Competitive Pay And Benefits

Commuting benefits including ORCA passes, car share discounts, and ride matches.
Paid sick and safe leave (after 90 days of employment).
Access to the City's Flash Mentorship program.

Background Check: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light 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. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.

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Communications Intern