Communications Intern

Organization:

City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department

Site Supervisor: Ashley Lawson

Organization Address:

2100 Travis Street 9th floor, Houston, TX. 77002

Organization Description:

The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) works to create opportunities for all Houstonians to have access to safe homes that they can afford in communities where they can thrive. Our department works closely with service providers and developers across the city to improve quality of life for Houston residents.

Primary Function:

This communications internship is 4-month long. This is an exciting position that will allow the qualified candidate to expand his/her knowledge of writing for the government sector. This individual should be a team-player with an entrepreneurial spirit, willingness to learn and ability to manage multiple tasks while adapting to shifting priorities. Depending on skillset, this individual will assist with communications tasks including, but not limited to: writing and editing, photo and video production and editing, web and social media analytics, social media content, event coordination and other communications and administrative support tasks as assigned.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Social Media:

  • Draft and organize social media content to promote HCD events and media coverage on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram

  • Contribute to social media quantitative and qualitative analytics reporting

  • Create and coordinate content for social media campaigns and observances

  • Monitor and research influencers, trending topics and tools

  • Source content from staff and at events

  • General social media planning, research, reporting and coordination as assigned.

Writing and Editing:

  • Photo captions

  • Project descriptions

  • Copyediting

  • Press releases and media advisories

Photo, Video and Graphics:

  • Edit and format photos and videos for social media and web

  • Photo, video and audio editing

  • Photography and videography

  • Infographics

  • Gifs, animations and graphics

  • Digital asset management

Media Relations:

  • Help compile and update media contact lists

  • Prepare media reports on assigned subjects

  • Assist with press release/media advisory writing, editing, distribution, and media outreach

  • Assist with scheduling and coordinating of photo/video shoots

Miscellaneous Communications and Administrative Support:

  • Taking notes during meetings

  • Create and manage PowerPoint presentations

  • Report preparation for meetings and presentations

  • Event planning and coordination

  • General administrative and communications support as assigned.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Ideal candidate is an undergraduate/graduate student in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, digital media, or a development-related field

  • Excellent interpersonal skills

  • Ability to work well with others or independently

  • Problem solving skills

  • Responsibility to complete projects by a pre-determined deadline

  • Ability to be flexible and work on multiple projects simultaneously

  • Ability to communicate effectively and accurately in oral and written language

  • Proficient in usage of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software; other software (photo, video, etc.) a plus

  • Accurate and detail oriented

Number of available positions: 1

Hours expected to work each week: 20