Civic Media Intern

We are looking for a Civic Media & Community Reporting Intern to help identify, summarize, and develop local stories that matter to Cleveland residents. This role is ideal for someone interested in journalism, public policy, communications, community engagement, local government, or digital media.

The intern will help monitor public meetings, city legislation, neighborhood developments, community events, and local issues. They will assist with writing plain-language summaries, short news briefs, community explainers, and story drafts for publication.

Responsibilities

Review Cleveland public meeting agendas, legislation, city records, and community updates

Write short, clear summaries of local government actions and neighborhood issues

Assist with developing story ideas from public documents, resident concerns, and community events

Help organize information for publication on The Cleveland Observer and CityVoice

Conduct basic outreach to community members, organizations, or public officials when needed

Support social media or newsletter-ready versions of stories

Help make civic information easier for everyday residents to understand

Ideal Candidate

Strong writing and research skills

Interest in Cleveland neighborhoods, local government, civic engagement, or public-interest journalism

Ability to explain complicated information in plain language

Reliable, curious, and comfortable working independently

Some experience with journalism, communications, public policy, or community organizing is helpful but not required

Comfortable using Google Docs, email, web research, and basic digital tools

Preferred but Not Required

Experience writing articles, newsletters, blog posts, policy summaries, or social media content

Familiarity with Cleveland City Council, local boards, public records, or neighborhood organizations

Photography, video, audio, or social media experience

Spanish or other multilingual communication skills