Intern, Social Media - Portland International Airport (PDX)

Port of Portland•Portland 97218, OR

10d•Onsite

About The Position

We're hiring a Social Media Intern for the Port of Portland! This is a hands-on, creative internship where you’ll help tell the story of one of the most visible public organizations in the region — from what’s happening inside PDX to the broader work of the Port. You’ll spend most of your time creating social content people actually see and engage with, while also getting a behind-the-scenes look at how strategic communications and storytelling come together at scale. You’ll work closely with a collaborative, supportive team, contribute to real campaigns and projects (not just side work), and build skills across social media, content creation, writing, research, and project organization. If you’re excited by storytelling, public impact, and being part of a team that values creativity, curiosity, and learning, this role offers meaningful experience and a front-row seat to how communications work in the real world. About us: The Port of Portland is where land, air, and water meet to keep the Pacific Northwest thriving. From running PDX (the airport everyone vibes with) to managing marine terminals and industrial parks, we’re all about connecting people, goods, and ideas. We’re committed to sustainability, community, and making sure Portland stays weird in the best way possible. Whether it’s supporting local businesses or protecting the environment, the Port is here to keep things moving while staying true to the PNW spirit. To be considered for this intern position you must be a current student enrolled in an Oregon/Washington school for the duration of employment. Spring 2026 graduates will not be eligible for this internship unless documentation of continued educational classes (graduate school documentation related to the field) can be provided at the time of application. Duration: Expected sunset date on or around May 31, 2027. Compensation is determined by school year and experience.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an accredited Oregon/Washington college or university and seeking a degree in Social Media, Communications, Marketing, Brand Management, Public Relations, or related field.
Coursework or experience in graphic design, videography, or photography is preferred.
Student must also provide current unofficial transcript at time of application.
Student must also provide up to 3 samples of work projects that demonstrate professional skills in either social media, videography, or graphic design.
Maintenance of a minimum 2.5 grade point average and continued enrollment in classes pertinent to the internship is required.
Must successfully pass and maintain clearance of a comprehensive Criminal History Records Check and a Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge, are required.
Demonstrate commitment to valuing differences among individuals and a passion for being inclusive.
Focus on safety improvements and comply with safety and health policies and procedures.
Show the utmost respect for others and act as a team player.
Digital content tools (e.g., WordPress, content management systems).
Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, Facebook).
Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
Basic understanding of content optimization and digital communication best practices.
Ability to identify what is newsworthy and craft content appropriately.
Familiarity with graphic design and layout principles.
Strong writing skills for both short form and feature storytelling.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Capture video and photography to showcase Port of Portland operations, PDX’s unique character, and special initiatives.
Edit content to produce compelling digital stories for internal and external channels, including the Port of Portland and PDX social media channels.
Create graphics and visual elements for social media, digital and internal communications using tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
Conduct research on emerging social media trends, communication best practices, and innovative tools that improve storytelling and content quality.
Share insights with the team to support continuous improvement.
Assist with writing and editing for internal and external channels, including newsletters, website articles, blogs, social media posts, talking points, and event summaries.
Support scheduling, posting, and monitoring content across platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and internal digital channels.
Assist with basic media monitoring and note-taking during select meetings or events.
Contribute to partner collaborations, holiday campaigns, community events, and communications logistics such as event planning, documentation, and promotional coordination.