Graphic Design & 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 graphic design to cut their teeth in our busy, forward-thinking department. If you’re a confident designer with experience creating copy and designing graphics and collateral for digital and print, consider joining our team as our new Graphic Design & 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. Applicants must be a junior or senior student currently enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing coursework in marketing, communications, copywriting, content creation, and/or graphic design.

• Creation of original copy, graphics, and content for print pieces, social media, and websites. Deliverables may include: posters, flyers, programs, templates, infographics, reports, Powerpoints, website graphics, social media content, and print or digital ad files
• Assist with content creation and updates of City websites using Wordpress and CivicPlus CMS platforms (training provided)
• Maintain accurate and accessible files 
• Create social media and online event calendar listings, including copy and graphics
• Work with the Communications staff to ensure a consistent and professional image and maintain City branding 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
• Create fillable forms using Adobe Pro, and online forms using CivicPlus CMS
• Proofread and fact-check print and digital content before publication
• Assist in the layout and design of marketing and promotional pieces as needed. Make design and type corrections to these materials; collect files when jobs are finished and oversee production in cooperation with in-house print shop
• 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

• Strong written and oral communications skills
• Strong design skills; experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Adobe Pro, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator; experience with Adobe Premiere or Spark a plus
• Experienced in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook and Outlook calendar, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, printing and production processes including digital presses, laminator, trimmer, and binding equipment
• Ability to collect, analyze and interpret data and effectively present ideas, concepts, recommendations and conclusions in clear, understandable fashion
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions Willingness to seek supervisory guidance and ask questions in order to learn
• 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

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Social media or email marketing experience preferred but not required; experience with Wordpress, Wix, Weebly, or other CMS (Content Management Systems) a plus
• Experience with event or headshot photography beneficial
• Basic video creation and/or editing experience a plus

The hourly wage for this non-exempt internship is $12-$17 per hour, dependent upon qualifications and experience. Employees residing in the City of West Allis will receive an additional 2% on top of the established pay for this position.

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.