Civic Engagement Intern

Civic Engagement Intern

Salary

$22.01 - $27.90 Hourly

Location

WA 98057-2906, WA

Job Type

Intern

Job Number

2026JR27064

Department

KCE - King County Elections

Division

Election Outreach

Opening Date

05/04/2026

Closing Date

6/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines

Full- or Part-Time

Part Time

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary

"We conduct accessible, secure, and accurate elections."

• King County Elections Mission Statement

The Department of Elections at King County is committed to civic engagement and voter education to increase voter participation and eliminate barriers to voting. We work year-round to be the leader in providing inclusive elections. The Elections Outreach team is responsible for engaging with, educating, and registering all our communities of voters and future voters. The Civic Education Interns will be involved in reaching out to high schools in King County, with a special focus on South King County during the 2026/2027 academic year.

The Department of Elections has a great opportunity for Civic Engagement Intern(s) that will support the ongoing outreach, by:

• Working across teams to develop and implement a civic education program; and
• Outreach to young voters, specifically within high schools in King County

Interns will also develop the following skills:

• Public Speaking and professional written communications;
• Working in both office and field environments;
• Independent professional work and time management; and
• Working with diverse peers in small groups

Job Duties

• Learn and communicate knowledge about King Countys elections process;
• Create civic engagement and election education content;
• Conduct outreach with high school students;
• Present civic education materials and engage with voters and future voters; and
• Other administrative tasks performed as necessary.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Must be able to commit at least one weekday for this internship during high school operational hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00am-3:30pm);
• Must be enrolled in college or a high school student in a Running Start Program;
• Must have reliable transportation;
• Must be at least 16 years old when the program begins on August 6;
• Passion for civic education and increasing voter participation;
• Experienced in presenting complex information in plain, accessible language;
• Have excellent communication skills; and
• Have current and valid identification and proof of eligibility for employment in the U.S.

Supplemental Information

Classification is based on current education enrollment; the following are classifications and hourly pay rate ranges the applicant will be considered for:

• Intern 1 (High School Student Intern) - Compensation: $20.99 - $26.60

• Intern 2 (Undergraduate Student Intern) - Compensation Range: $22.01 - $27.90

Work Location

• Interns will visit various high school campuses in King County, mainly South King County. Interns will be required to come to the King County Election Headquarters (919 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057).

• Travel to work locations throughout King County with limited or no public transportation services is required. A valid Washington State Drivers License is required to operate King County vehicles.

This position is not benefits eligible; however, interns will be eligible to receive a regional bus pass during their assignment.

Schedule

• Start Date for the internship is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026, with Orientation, Office Tour, and Training.

• Must be able to commit at least one weekday for this internship during high school operational hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00am-3:30pm). This position is part-time (up to 5 hours per week). The hours are flexible after orientation through May 28th, 2027, with some in the office and remote work.

• Interns must commit to the duration of their assignment and be able to travel at least one day per week for presentations and trainings that take place throughout South King County.

Union Affiliation: This position is not represented.

Who May Apply: this position is open to all students enrolled in college or a high school student in a Running Start Program.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.

A complete application will have the following elements:

• Resume

• Cover Letter that explains experience and answers the following questions:

• Why are you interested in this internship? (200 words max);

• In your opinion, what excites young (or future) voters about participating in the voting process? (200 words max);

• How have you engaged with your community? (If you are new to community engagement) How do you hope to engage with your community? (200 words max); and

• Tell us a little bit about your plans for the next academic year.

• Applicants selected to move forward in the process must be able to attend an in-person interview scheduled for the week of July 13, 2026. If selected for an interview, you will be asked to present a five-minute PowerPoint presentation on a topic assigned to you.

If you need this announcement in an alternate format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process please contact King County Elections HR Analyst Jeremy Rivera at jeremy.rivera@kingcounty.gov.

This position is not eligible for King County leave, holiday, insurance, or other benefits. Please contact the recruiter on the posting for any additional questions regarding associated benefits.

For questions about the internship program please contact program leads: KC Jung Kyung.Jung@kingcounty.gov or Said Shekuna at sshekuna@kingcounty.gov.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington States best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, were changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nations best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

This position is not eligible for King County leave, holiday, insured, or other benefits. Please contact the recruiter on the posting for any additional questions regarding associated benefits.

01

Are you currently a student enrolled in a High School Running Start Program or at an accredited college/university, and will you continue to be in an active student status after the summer of 2026?

• Current High School Student in a Running Start Program
• Current College/University Student
• Not currently enrolled as a student

02

If you are a current student, proof of registration and/or transcript showing enrollment status will be requested as part of the employment process. If selected, are you able to provide documentation showing your registration for the upcoming 2026/2027 school year?

• Yes
• No

03

This position is part-time (up to 5 hours per week). The hours are flexible from Aug 6th, 2026, to May 28th, 2027, with some in the office and some remote work. The intern must commit to the duration of their assignment and be able to travel at least one day per week for presentations and trainings that take place throughout South King County. Are you able to commit one day per week for presentations and other outreach activities, as part of the internship program (these take place during high school business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00am-3:30pm?

• Yes
• No

04

A resume and cover letter are required for this position. Have you attached your resume and cover letter?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer King County

Address King Street Center

201 South Jackson Street

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Phone 206-477-3404

Website http://www.kingcounty.gov/