First District Internship

City of Richmond

First District Councilor

Summer 2026 Internship – Communications & Strategy

Compensation: $15/hour
Schedule: 10–15 hours per week
Duration: May or June 2026 through early–mid August 2026
 

Description

Richmond's Office of the First District Councilor seeks a motivated and creative Summer 2026 Intern to support communications strategy and community engagement efforts. Part-time continuation beyond the summer is possible for the right candidate if desired by both parties.

This is a paid internship designed to provide hands-on experience in public service and digital communications in a local government policy setting. The intern will work directly with the Councilor and his Liaison to strengthen our communications infrastructure and enhance engagement with constituents. We are especially seeking a candidate who can not only manage social media platforms but also build a sustainable long-term strategy that improves how the office communicates with residents.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Social Media Management & Strategy Development

• Develop and implement a sustainable social media plan that includes: 
  • Weekly thematic campaigns 
  • Daily engagement touchpoints 
  • Content calendar and posting schedule 
  • Metrics tracking and performance analysis
• Manage and enhance existing platforms (Instagram, X/Twitter, blog-style posts, and email newsletters). 
• Evaluate opportunities to expand to additional platforms (e.g., TikTok or others as appropriate). 
• Draft posts, graphics, and short-form video content. 
• Propose a long-term communications strategy that can be maintained beyond the internship period. 
• Deliver a written project plan and toolkit for continued implementation.

This role is ideal for a candidate who enjoys both creative content production and systems-level planning.

Secondary Responsibilities (Based on Interest and Skills)

Depending on the intern’s background and interests, additional duties may include one or more of the following:

• Technology & Operations Improvement 
  • Research and recommend tools to improve office efficiency. 
  • Explore practical uses of AI (e.g., inbox management and workflow automation). 
  • Propose systems for long-term time management and productivity. 
• Community Engagement 
  • Assist in outreach to diverse stakeholders across the district. 
  • Support event planning, community meetings, and follow-up communication. 
  • Identify strategies for more inclusive and representative engagement. 
• Legislative & Policy Research 
  • Conduct research to support policy development and Council initiatives. 
  • Prepare briefing materials on city legislation and public policy topics. 
  • Analyze best practices from other localities.

Guiding Principles

The City of Richmond has embraced a set of core values that guide the internship experience:

• Customer Service: Treating everyone as we would wish to be treated. 
• Employee Ownership: Understanding how one’s work connects to departmental and City goals. 
• Positive Outlook: Working to meet or exceed expectations despite obstacles. 
• Technical Skills: Applying knowledge and judgment effectively and efficiently. 
• Leadership: Creating a positive environment that supports the City’s strategic direction. 

Qualifications & Eligibility

To be considered, applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program and in good academic standing. 
• Be registered for courses during the internship period (summer enrollment not required if enrolled for Fall 2026). 
• Have completed at least 30 credit hours (undergraduate) with a minimum 3.0 GPA, or be enrolled in a graduate program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. 
• Provide a college transcript prior to hire. 
• Be lawfully authorized to work in the United States. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing social media accounts or digital campaigns. 
• Strong writing and editing skills. 
• Interest in public service, communications, political science, public policy, marketing, or related fields. 
• Experience with Canva, short-form video editing, analytics tools, or newsletter platforms preferred but not required. 
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently. 

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit a resume and should include the following. 

• Academic major
• Area of professional interest
• Confirmation of eligibility under the City’s internship criteria

A cover letter is optional, but preferred.

In the cover letter, applicants are encouraged to briefly describe or include:

• Academic major
• Area of professional interest
• Confirmation of eligibility under the City’s internship criteria
• Their experience with social media or digital communications
• How they would approach building a sustainable, long-term social media strategy for a public office

Questions on the Internship or process 

Contact: Grady Hart- First District City Council Liaison, grady.hart@rva.gov