Communications Intern

Overview

Under the supervision of the Digital Communications Specialist, the Communications Intern assists in executing Ottawa County’s communications strategies. This position supports content creation, graphic design, social media, media relations, video production, and brand management to ensure consistent, high-quality messaging across platforms. The Communications Intern collaborates with internal departments to produce engaging and informative materials that strengthen public trust and enhance awareness of County services, while also providing technical and administrative support for various communications initiatives.

Schedule

This is a part-time, limited benefit position, based out of the Fillmore Complex in West Olive. Schedule to be determined, depending on the preferred candidate's availability. Must be available to work at least 16 hours per week, and may work up to 30 hours a week.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides production assistance at video shoots, including equipment setup, preparation, and shooting.
• Contributes to the development of an editorial social media calendar and campaigns to guide efforts across the platforms. Develops timely, helpful, and engaging written and visual content for social media posts.
• Manages the County’s brand and identity assets to ensure visual consistency and maintain public trust, including oversight of the template library and organized archiving of design elements and imagery.
• Researches a county-wide photo storage and organization system.
• Drafts newsletter articles and press releases. Proofreads correspondence and other documents for inaccuracies in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and format.
• Maintains and revises media and other email contact lists and performs miscellaneous administrative and clerical duties.
• Performs other duties assigned.

Required Education, Training, and Experience

Applicants must currently be enrolled in an accredited college/university, majoring in media, film production, communications, graphic design, marketing, journalism, or related fields.

Licenses and Certifications

Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent English language skills, including spelling, punctuation, grammar, construction, and usage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.
• Introductory knowledge of audio/visual recording and production and equipment operation.
• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and general computer literacy.
• Introductory knowledge of social media channels, account management, advertising, policies, trends, and best practices.
• Introductory knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud (especially InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro).