Communications and Marketing Intern

The Communications and Marketing Intern under general supervision, provides administrative and technical assistance in support of SMART’s community outreach and education efforts, employee communications, and marketing campaigns, including writing and editing material for publication, assisting with the details of projects such as the production and handling of project information, distribution of printed materials, logistics for public meetings and outreach events, and other associated tasks; attends public outreach events; adheres to set schedules to keep projects moving to meet deadlines; work will include assisting in the preparation of documents and website content that summarize the District’s service, fares and schedules as well as plans and activities for the continued construction of the SMART rail and bicycle/pedestrian project.

Examples of Duties

Position duties and skills include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Assists SMART Communications and Marketing Staff in coordinating public meetings, creating and coordinating informational publications, placing advertisements in local publications, and making reservations.
2. Staff informational booths at summer fairs and festivals for the SMART Communications department, which includes set-up, clean-up, contacting organizations, serving as the SMART point of contact, creating associated materials, attending the event as a SMART representative and responding to project related questions.
3. Assists in the logistics of materials and AV equipment for meetings
4. Acts as a liaison and coordinates with the Communications and Marketing Staff regarding events, informational materials, advertisements, and displays;
5. Assists in the preparation of agendas and presentation materials for community outreach meetings, special events and public hearings.
6. Assists in preparing outreach materials as directed by senior department staff as required in a timely manner.
7. May assist with developing and maintaining website and social media content.
8. Must be able to participate in meetings and outreach activities on weekends and evenings;
9. Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Education:

Sufficient training, education and experience to demonstrate the required knowledge skills and abilities. Typically, coursework in public relations, planning, journalism, marketing, communications or a related field. Possession of a valid California driver’s license is required at the time of appointment.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods and techniques of effective public communications, public relations, news media communications and community outreach;
• Principles and techniques of preparing advertising, writing copy, layout and production.
• Standard English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Techniques for making effective presentations to individuals and groups.
• Techniques for effectively dealing with the media.
• Techniques for preparing effective written and audio-visual materials.

Desired Skills

• Spanish speaking a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• Copywriting
• Proficiency in various Social Media platforms
• Experience with public speaking, presenting and interfacing with the public

Ability to:

• Organize, establish priorities, and set goals and objectives.
• Identify and define technical problems.
• Compile and analyze data from a variety of sources;
• Communicate ideas and concepts through creative writing and presentations to large and small groups;
• Make effective presentations to individuals and groups of varying ages, interests and backgrounds.
• Draft, edit and proofread written materials for publication;
• Plan and organize outreach and promotional activities;
• Use sound independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Complete multiple assignments efficiently and meet established deadlines in a fast paced team environment;
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Operate a personal computer with common software applications; learn specialty software of the work unit;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.
• Work collaboratively with other divisions and co-workers.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Work non-traditional hours, including weekends, holidays and evenings.

Physical Working Conditions:

Position requires ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods in the performance of daily activities. Occasionally requires the ability to move over uneven terrain and to work outdoors in all types of weather when working at community events.  The position also requires ability to perform data entry and to prepare reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires ability to read written reports and work-related documents.  Requires ability to provide phone and personal service.  The need to lift, drag, and push files, boxes, equipment, paper and documents weighing up to 50 pounds is also required.  The ability to use a personal computer and the ability to speak clearly and concisely to obtain and relay information are required. Ability to travel to SMART office locations and to community events and meetings is required.   Most work is performed in an office environment. May occasionally be exposed to extreme weather conditions and noise when working at events. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Position Details:

Salary Range: $20.00 per hour

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

This position is part-time, at-will, temporary

This position is not eligible for benefits

SMART is an equal opportunity employer.