Communication and Research Paid Intern - Office for New Americans and Refugees

Salt Lake County is a welcoming community, open to all. Our rapid growth includes many foreign-born residents who now call the County home. To ensure that New Americans feel welcome and supported, the Salt Lake County Office for New Americans (ONA) was established in 2016. Its goal is to improve the lives of Salt Lake County’s New American residents by maximizing their civic, social, and economic potential. This is accomplished by connecting New Americans to community-based organizations that have the resources to help them thrive and feel welcomed here.

The Office for New Americans in the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office is looking for a communications and research intern willing to contribute and provide support with various tasks during the 2023 Spring Term. The internship is specifically designed for candidates with a strong interest in government and policy with skills in research, data collection, and data evaluation, as well as communications, social media, and graphic design. In addition to county-level work, the internship will also introduce interns to state, federal, and grassroots work.

The successful candidate will support the Office for New Americans’ work with community outreach and communications. Applicants should be self-motivated and willing to work in a fast-paced environment. Work is primarily Monday through Friday with flexible hours to accommodate a school schedule. There may be occasional work on the weekends.

Applicants must be currently enrolled or recently graduated from a Bachelor OR Graduate program.

Essential Functions

• Communicate with constituents and governmental agencies.
• Administrative and clerical procedures using systems such as word processing, designing forms, and other office procedures.
• Assist in research and data collection that informs policy.
• Assist in preparing and delivering executive briefings on policy and programs for elected officials and other leaders.
• Plan and execute outreach efforts.
• Lead cross-sector engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist Salt Lake County in working to improve outcomes for residents.
• Participate in professional development programs developed by Intern Program Managers.
• Read and interpret complex laws, regulations, ordinances, and reports.
• Prepare complex narrative and statistical reports, correspondence, and other documents.
• Gather, evaluate, interpret, and share data.
• Assist with drafting communication pieces, including the ONA e-newsletter.
• Research events and resources throughout the county, especially those tailored for diverse populations.
• Update information on the Office for New Americans website.
• Design and manage social media posts and newsletter elements.
• Assist with social media strategy and outreach.
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential. The intern may be asked to prepare summaries of legislation or write talking points on a short turnaround.
• Basic English writing skills and computer knowledge are required.
• Consistent demonstration of professionalism, responsibility, and initiative.
• Strong organization and time management skills. The intern will be asked to complete tasks under deadlines while managing multiple projects.
• Motivated, creative, detail-oriented, adaptable, and dependable.
• Team player who also excels as an individual contributor.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Second language a plus, but not required.
• Graphic design knowledge/skills.
• Experience managing social media.
• Video editing experience.
• Students with a focus in Social Sciences, Political Science, International Studies, and Communication are preferred; but all applicants are welcome.
  
  
  

PAY $15.00/hour

START DATE The internship begins May 20, 2024, through August 2, 2024.

TO APPLY

Required Documents

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Two writing samples (social media campaign content, op-eds, feature articles, blog posts, press releases, and professional memos preferred)
• Schedule availability
  
  
  

PHYSICAL ADDRESS

Salt Lake County

2001 S. State Street

Salt Lake City, UT 84114

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

Interns may work remotely or from the Salt Lake County Government Complex. They will be provided with a computer and an email account. Interns may be asked to attend meetings off-site, at other government facilities, or in the community.

PAID INTERN POSITIONS

• Are not considered merit employees.
• Are not guaranteed employment following their internships.
  
  
  

PAID INTERN POSITIONS

An “At Will”, FLSA non-exempt employee who is not eligible for County benefits and who must work an average of 29 hours or less per week or an average of 129 hours or less per month.

• Must work an average of 29 hours or less per week or an average of 129 hours or less per month.
• Are not eligible for County benefits except as otherwise provided for by policy.
• Are not considered merit employees.
• Are "at will" employees who may be terminated for any reason, without notice, and without a pre-termination hearing.