IT Communications Intern

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting mission-critical technology that enables essential public benefit programs for Texans. This internship is designed for individuals interested in understanding how technology, business strategy, and public service intersect within state government. The intern will work closely with IT leadership, project managers, and technical teams to support executive-level communications and strategic initiatives. A primary responsibility of this role is synthesizing information from multiple technical sources and presenting it in a clear, visually engaging, and business-focused manner tailored to non-technical audiences. In addition, the intern will review technical documentation—such as system descriptions, project artifacts, and architectural materials—and translate complex technical concepts into concise business narratives. These narratives will emphasize how IT solutions support organizational goals, operational efficiency, compliance requirements, and service delivery outcomes. Through this work, the intern will build valuable skills in technical writing, stakeholder communication, and strategic messaging. The internship will also provide exposure to the role of IT in supporting applications that manage benefit eligibility, determinations, and awards for public assistance programs. The intern will gain a foundational understanding of how enterprise systems, data flows, and IT governance support programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and other health and human services initiatives, while ensuring security, reliability, and accuracy. This position is ideal for candidates with strong communication skills, attention to detail, and an interest in information technology, public administration, business analysis, or health and human services. Interns will leave with a deeper appreciation of how IT enables public service at scale and directly supports positive outcomes for individuals and families.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Communications or Marketing.
Knowledge of SharePoint page design and publishing.
Knowledge of basic visual design core concepts.
Skilled at writing clear and concise articles without reliance on generative AI tools.
Ability to produce engaging presentations and written narratives that effectively communicate IT initiatives, impacts, and priorities to executive leadership.
Ability to use core functions of basic Microsoft computer applications (Outlook, OneDrive, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams).
Ability to understand and communicate both technical findings and business value.
Ability to work independently following assigned guidelines and restrictions.

Responsibilities

Develop drafts of professional presentations and briefing materials for executive leadership using PowerPoint and Word. (40%)
Write news articles for review and intra-agency publication highlighting the achievements and accomplishments of the application development teams with a focus on real business outcomes and benefits to Texans. (30%)
Collaborate with development and business analyst teams to prepare communications that translate technical concepts into concise business narratives. (20%)
Attend departmental meetings; prepare meeting agendas and summaries for department-wide dissemination. (10%)