Communications Intern

The Communications Intern provides support to communication and customer service efforts for the City of Wauwatosa. This position is fairly independent, but may also collaborate with other departments to ensure the timely distribution of accurate, relevant information to residents, businesses, and employees in a manner that reflects the city's high professional standards. You will interact with appointed and elected City officials, City Board and Committee members, Department and Division Heads, staff, employees, business leaders, program clients, and the general public. This is an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates to obtain experience in many aspects of communication and local government.

This position will work 8-15 hours per week, Monday - Friday between the hours of 8am - 4:30pm for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year, with a possibility of extending through Summer 2026. The hourly rate of pay is $16.39.

Essential Functions

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position.  Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Internal Communications (500+ employees):

• Write, edit, and publish content and updates to the City’s employee website (intranet).
• Design, update, and manage employee-facing TV slides that display in employee breakrooms and common areas.
• Design printed flyers and handouts for internal events or announcements.
• Write emails for Department Directors or other city leaders.
• Write, edit, and publish the monthly employee newsletter.

External Communications:

• Assist with drafting and editing the News in Brief, a bi-weekly newsletter sent to thousands of residents.
• Write engaging news articles for the City’s website on topics ranging from city services to community events in clear, plain language.
• Contribute to social media content creation and scheduling across multiple platforms.
• Print and distribute communications materials in Wauwatosa’s City Hall.
• Staff special events and assist with set up or tear down as needed.

Multimedia and Design:

• Use Canva (or similar tools) to design graphics for print and digital use.
• Assist with basic video editing and photography for city events, campaigns, or internal use.
• Organize and track communications tasks using spreadsheets or other project management tools.

As part of the internship experience, a Communications Intern will participate in a capstone project. This consists of: planning, developing, and executing one significant communications project during the internship term (ex: report, data storytelling, video series, or media relations), with guidance and input from the Communications Manager.

Minimum Requirements

• Enrollment in undergraduate studies or post-Bachelors program in communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills. Solid understanding of writing for various platforms.
• Knowledge of graphic design, video, or print production.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications

In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential.

• Interest in a career in communications and in local government.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Customer service and interpersonal skills required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Prior experience with PowerPoint, website content management software, and database software preferred.

Preferred Qualifications
 

• Knowledge of graphic design, video, or print production.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.  Prior experience with PowerPoint, Website Content Management software and Database software strongly preferred.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.   

Additional Information

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, twist and reach. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is also regularly required to talk and hear, in person, in meetings and by telephone. They will need to interact with city management, employees, other governmental officials, contractors, vendors, employees and the public; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to safely lift and carry up to 10 pounds occasionally.

Work Environment

The work environment is a standard office environment that is usually quiet. Various activities, research, and assignments may necessitate work at or in other locations at the City of Wauwatosa.