Public Affairs Student Intern

SBCTA•San Bernardino, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Led by a Board of Directors made up of elected officials from each of the 24 cities and towns and the five county supervisorial districts, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) staff is focused primarily on freeway, interchange, and transit enhancements to the region that first and foremost benefit the taxpayer of San Bernardino County. Coupling that effort with various non-transportation related objectives from the Council of Governments role of the agency brings the mission of providing quality of life improvements to the residents, business operators, and commuters of our region to the forefront. For more than four decades, SBCTA (previously known as SANBAG) has taken pride in delivering on its commitment to the voters through the implementation of Measure I. This half-cent sales tax that generates transportation dollars that are from the region and for the region is a critical element in the agency's goal to keep people and goods moving effectively. SBCTA calls the historic San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot home. Our headquarters not only positions the agency in the heart of the county, but is symbolic of our longstanding commitment to transportation. The Public Affairs Student Intern will perform tasks relating to a variety of entry-level professional duties of moderate difficulty relating to digital communications, social media engagement, and media monitoring. The intern will assist with timely responses to public inquiries, identifies opportunities to amplify agency messaging, and contributes to the visibility of SBCTA/SBCOG projects and initiatives.

Requirements

Current enrollment in a recognized college or university, or graduate students, with a major study area in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, or a related field.
Ability to work independently, efficiently and cooperatively.
English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to work, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
Must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident and eligible to work in this country as determined by the U.S. Immigration Laws and the Department of Homeland Security.
Possession of a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance.

Nice To Haves

Students with a demonstrated interest in public service or transportation policy are encouraged to apply.
Familiarity with social media platforms and WordPress is desired but not required.

Responsibilities

Create, gather, maintain, edit and prepare data.
Prepare and track special mailings and notices.
Perform research related to SBCTA projects and programs.
Attend and participate in community and media outreach programs.
Attend staff meetings and other meetings as assigned.
Work with various information databases.
Monitor the Public Affairs email inbox daily for incoming requests.
Monitor SBCTA social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) for comments, messages, and engagement opportunities.
Bring attention to noteworthy posts or opportunities for agency engagement.
Assist the Public Affairs Analyst with developing social media content, including research, drafting captions, sourcing imagery, and preparing content ideas aligned with ongoing campaigns.
Recommend engagement opportunities, copromotion ideas, or relevant cross-posting.
Monitor traditional media outlets for articles related to SBCTA, SBCOG, or transportation initiatives relevant to agency work.
Compile and summarize notable coverage for staff review.
Assist with research for communication materials and outreach initiatives.
Support special projects, events, or administrative tasks as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.