Public Affairs Intern (Paid Intern)

County of Orange • Orange County, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a paid, in-person internship assigned to the Public Affairs team at John Wayne Airport (JWA). The Public Affairs Intern will gain hands-on experience in airport public relations, strategic communications, and community engagement. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in developing and executing communications initiatives that enhance public awareness, promote airport programs and events, and engage the traveling public through digital and in-person outreach. The intern will assist with creating content for social media platforms, including graphics, photography, videography, and written copy, while helping monitor engagement, analytics, and emerging trends to improve content performance. The intern will also support the planning and execution of airport events, such as ribbon-cuttings, community outreach activities, art installations, and press conferences by assisting with logistics, event promotion, guest engagement, and on-site support. Additional responsibilities include drafting communications materials, monitoring media coverage, organizing outreach resources, and providing administrative support for communications projects. Throughout the internship, the student will collaborate with experienced public affairs professionals and gain valuable experience in government communications, digital marketing, event management, media relations, and public service.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Creativity.
• Professionalism.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Must clear background check which includes a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Security Threat Assessment (STA).
• Must be able to safely operate a County vehicle as required to perform job duties.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework or experience in social media management, content creation, photography, videography, writing, marketing, or event planning is preferred.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter) and YouTube is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of graphic design tools (e.g., Canva or Adobe Creative Suite), photography, videography, and video editing is desirable.
• Experience in data analytics and social media management tools such as Hootsuite or Sprout Social, etc.
• Professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Sound judgment.
• Commitment to providing excellent public service.
• A valid California driver's license and the ability to attend occasional off-site events may be required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in content creation for JWA’s social media platforms, including graphics, photos, videos, and captions.
• Support social media engagement, responding to comments and messages under supervision.
• Help monitor analytics and trends to optimize content performance.
• Assist with social media data analytics review, interpretation, and reports.
• Capture event photography and videography for digital use.
• Collaborate on social media strategy and brainstorm new campaign ideas.
• Assist in preparing for Terminal events, ribbon-cuttings, art installations, and press conferences.
• Support community outreach efforts, attending offsite events when necessary.
• Help with on-site logistics, setup, and guest engagement for events.
• Assist in developing digital content to promote events.
• Assist in reviewing and organizing communications plans and social media messaging strategies.
• Provide clerical support, including printing, filing, and assembling materials for outreach and events.
• Support the team in media monitoring and reporting to track public perception and coverage.
• Draft content for internal and external communications, such as emails, social media captions, and website updates.

Benefits

• Gain hands-on experience in public relations, government communications, social media management, and community outreach within a dynamic public agency.
• Build a professional portfolio by creating digital content, capturing event photography and videography, and contributing to communications campaigns.
• Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced public affairs and communications professionals while developing industry-relevant skills.
• Develop practical experience in event planning, media relations, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement through real-world projects.
• Expand professional network by collaborating with airport staff, community partners, elected officials, media representatives, and industry professionals.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed