Civic Engagement Intern – Fort Lewis College

Civic Engagement Intern

Durango, CO

Rocky Mountain Public Media, Inc. (RMPM) is the parent company of Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and The Drop. Over a million Coloradans turn to Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and The Drop to discover provocative and inspiring local, national, and international programming; find diverse viewpoints; score front row center seats to world-class performances; and experience lifelong learning opportunities every month.

The Civic Engagement Intern will support community-centered storytelling and engagement efforts across southwest Colorado, with a primary focus on the Community Voices project.

This internship is ideal for a Fort Lewis College student interested in storytelling, journalism, media production, communications, civic engagement, community-building, or nonprofit work. Working alongside the Civic Engagement Specialist, the intern will help connect community members with opportunities to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas through public media.

The position offers hands-on experience in outreach, storytelling, event support, qualitative research, and public media engagement while building professional skills in communication, relationship-building, and community-centered work.

Key Responsibilities

Community Voices & Storytelling (50%)

• Help recruit and support storytellers from across southwest Colorado.
• Coordinate communications and scheduling with story contributors.
• Support essay, audio, and storytelling projects through outreach, organization, and content preparation.
• Assist with audio storytelling projects in partnership with KDUR and Fort Lewis College, including recording coordination, basic editing, and file management.
• Encourage participation in Community Voices opportunities and storytelling prompts.

Student & Community Engagement (40%)

• Help promote and support civic engagement events, screenings, storytelling showcases, and community gatherings.
• Strengthen connections between Fort Lewis College students and Rocky Mountain Public Media.
• Gather community feedback and insights through conversations, events, and engagement activities.
• Observe and document emerging themes, ideas, and community priorities.

Professional Development & Team Participation (10%)

• Participate in mentorship and planning meetings with the Civic Engagement Specialist.
• Attend select RMPM team meetings to learn about public media, civic engagement, and statewide community partnerships.
• Reflect on learning goals and contribute ideas for strengthening community engagement efforts.

Minimum Qualifications of Position

We're looking for a student who is:

• Currently enrolled at Fort Lewis College.
• Interested in storytelling, writing, media, journalism, civic engagement, political science, sociology, and/or community-building.
• A strong communicator who enjoys connecting with people.
• Organized, dependable, and able to manage projects independently and collaboratively.
• Comfortable engaging with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
• Interested in learning new skills, including basic audio production and content development.

No prior professional experience is required.

Internship Details

• Schedule: Approximately 10 hours per week with flexibility around class schedules. Occasional evening or weekend participation in events may be requested.
• Duration: One academic semester with the possibility of extension.
• Location: Hybrid, based primarily at the Ballantine Media Center at Fort Lewis College, with occasional off-site activities.
• Supervision: Mentorship, coaching, and project support from the Civic Engagement Specialist – Durango.
• College Credit: May be available depending on Fort Lewis College requirements.

Learning Opportunities

Through this internship, students will gain experience in:

• Community storytelling and public media.
• Event planning and community engagement.
• Audio and digital content production.
• Outreach, relationship-building, and qualitative research.
• Working with a statewide nonprofit media organization and community partners.
  
  

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and/or people of color are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every qualification. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workforce. If you're excited about this role, feel a passion for our mission, this feels like it could be your dream job, but your previous experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply!

HOW TO APPLY:

1. Click "Apply for this position" and answer application questions
2. Upload your resume
3. Optional: upload a cover letter describing your interest in the internship and your experience you bring.

Position will be posted at www.rmpbs.org/jobs until filled. No phone calls, please. KRMA-TV/KTSC-TV/KRMJ-TV/KRMU-TV/KRMZ-TV and KUVO-FM/KVJZ-FM are licensed to and operated by Rocky Mountain Public Media, Inc. as non-commercial public television and radio.

EEO Statement

Rocky Mountain Public Media embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. As such, Rocky Mountain Public Media does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.