Communications & Public Engagement Intern

City of Lynchburg • Lynchburg, VA

9d

About The Position

The City of Lynchburg's 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. 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.

Requirements

• Open to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students
• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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 City's brand.
• Capture, edit, organize, and archive photos and videos using City-owned equipment and the City's 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 City's 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 department's mission and professional development.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed