Content Marketing Intern

Government organizations are realizing that the best way to reach their citizens and engage them in their communities is by taking an innovative, marketing-based approach to communications strategies. The award-winning City of West Allis Department of Communications is leading this revolution, operating as a full service in-house agency for the City of West Allis, promoting the services, programs, employment opportunities, and events in West Allis, Wisconsin. We’re seeking a creative, outgoing, organized student pursuing a career in marketing, communications, and/or social media management to cut their teeth in our busy, forward-thinking department. If you’re a confident writer with experience creating copy and designing graphics and collateral for digital and print, consider joining our team as our new Content Marketing Intern. You’ll gain real, meaningful professional experience working on a variety of projects that directly impact our residents. Build your portfolio and your resume by joining a team that values your creativity and welcomes your new ideas.

THE POSITION:

The Content Marketing Intern provides support on a variety of communications tasks and initiatives led by the Department of Communications. The Intern will assist with the scheduling, research, coordination, preparation, and uploading and/or posting of social media and web content, outreach materials, surveys, short and long form copywriting, graphics, and other content for a variety of projects that include the following platforms:

• E-Newsletter and E-Notify Systems
• Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, NextDoor, and LinkedIn social media accounts
• City Websites and Intranet
• City’s print magazine
• Brochures, flyers, reports, and misc. printed materials

DUTIES:

• Assist with the planning, development, creation and publication of content for the City’s social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, Twitter)
• Capturing and sharing unique photos and videos during City events
• Writing and posting original captions, tweets, etc. with appropriate and strategic hashtags
• Construct and edit online photo galleries; resize/compress photos for social media sites
• Work with the Communications staff to ensure a consistent and professional image and maintain City branding, style, and logo standards
• Work across departments and with City partners to produce a wide variety of internal and external materials, from entire marketing campaigns (advertisements, flyers, banners, brochures) to digital signage and graphics
• Monitoring and replying to social media audience comments, messages, questions, etc.
• Tracking and analyzing social media activity and engagement
• Monitoring and sharing emerging social media practices and trends with the rest of the Communications team
• Post and manage event listings on social media and event promotion platforms Under general direction, write and post content to City websites and Intranet
• Prepare content and execute layout of bi-weekly internal print newsletter
• Compose, design, send, and evaluate analytics for email marketing newsletters and messages
• Attend City events as needed to distribute communications information and promote the City of West Allis
• Share office responsibilities with other staff members as assigned, including office organization, processing interoffice mail, greeting departmental visitors and other duties as necessary

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Understanding of social media platforms and appropriate use in a business setting
• Ability to accept instruction and evaluation 
• Self-starter, dependable, diligent, amenable to performing elementary tasks to advance project goals
• Demonstrate interest in social media and how media and communication strategies can continuously engage the West Allis community
• Strong writing skills and experience with AP Style
• Ability to complete assignments independently, accurately, and on time
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work accurately in fast-paced environment
• Understanding of marketing methods, tools and processes including brand guidelines and identities, grassroots and/or digital tactics
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to compose, type, and proofread a variety of complex material
• Ability to collect, analyze and interpret data and effectively present ideas, concepts, recommendations and conclusions in clear, understandable fashion
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to work cooperatively and effectively with a diverse population, including but not limited to elected officials, staff, other governmental agencies, and the public
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience using graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Creative Suite, or Canva
• Experience with Wordpress, Square, Weebly, or other Content Management Systems preferred
• Basic HTML5 skills a plus but not required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Current enrollment at a college/university pursuing coursework in marketing, communications, copywriting, content creation, social media management, and/or graphic design. Applicant must be a junior or senior student in good academic standing at an accredited institution.

The hourly wage for this non-exempt internship is $12-$17 per hour, dependent upon qualifications and experience. 

The term of the internship program is typically through graduation with the understanding it is dependent upon the needs of the City and the performance of the intern.