Communications & Public Engagement Intern

Communications & Public Engagement Intern

Salary

$15.00 Hourly

Location

900 Church St, Lynchburg, VA

Job Type

Hourly

Job Number

03635

Department

Communications & Pub Engagement

Division

Communications & Pub Engagement

Opening Date

07/10/2026

Closing Date

7/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The City of Lynchburgs Communications & Public Engagement Department is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and organized Communications & Public Engagement Intern with an interest in public service, storytelling, and digital communications. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to explore the many facets of municipal communications while working alongside a collaborative team of communications professionals.

About the Role

This internship is intentionally designed to provide a well-rounded experience across the many disciplines of municipal communications. Rather than focusing on a single specialty, interns will gain exposure to social media, graphic design, executive communications, media relations, event management, digital asset management, broadcast operations, and public engagement while working as part of a collaborative, cross-trained communications team.

Essential Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties necessary to deliver services to customers and citizens may be assigned.

• Create and assist with social media content, including graphics, captions, photography, and short-form video (Reels), while identifying opportunities to incorporate current digital trends consistent with the Citys brand.
• Capture, edit, organize, and archive photos and videos using City-owned equipment and the Citys Digital Asset Manager (Canto) to build and maintain a high-quality media library.
• Assist with the design of engagement reports, presentations, publications, and other print and digital communication materials while ensuring consistency with the Citys visual identity.
• Collaborate with Communications & Public Engagement staff on campaigns, editorial planning, special projects, and community engagement initiatives.
• Support department events, press conferences, and other public-facing activities through photography, videography, logistics, and communications assistance as needed.
• Shadow and assist team members across multiple communications disciplines-including executive communications, media relations, broadcast operations, special events, and administration-to gain a comprehensive understanding of municipal communications.
• Complete additional communications projects and administrative assignments that contribute to the departments mission and professional development.

Content Platforms & Tools

Gain hands-on experience with a variety of professional tools and platforms, including:

• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, Express)
• Canto Digital Asset Manager
• Meta Business Suite and other social media platforms
• Microsoft Office and Teams
• Photography and video production equipment

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Strong interest in communications, public relations, marketing, or graphic design
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud and basic design principles
• Comfortable creating social media content and understanding current digital trends
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize multiple projects
• Creative thinker with a willingness to learn new skills
• Positive attitude and collaborative spirit
• Interest in public service and community engagement

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

Minimum Education and Experience Required

Internship Details

• Open to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students
• Interns are expected to work 10-15 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends for event coverage
• Reports to a Communications Manager in the department
• Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and a link to a portfolio or samples demonstrating writing, graphic design, photography, video, social media, or other communications work

This internship offers a front-row seat to the creative work that drives government transparency, community engagement, and public trust in Lynchburg. Whether your passion lies in design, storytelling, or public communications, this opportunity will build your portfolio and deepen your real-world skills.

The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the Citys goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.

• Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS);

the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefit

• Life insurance at no cost to the employee

• Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.

• Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance

• Paid Time Off

• Employees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position

Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans

Additional information about City benefits can be found on our website and in the Employment Policies & Procedures

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Please attach your cover letter and resume. The link to your online portfolio can be submitted in the response field for this question.

Required Question

Employer City of Lynchburg

Address 900 Church Street

Lynchburg, Virginia, 24504

Phone (434) 455-4200

Website https://www.lynchburgva.gov/human-resources