City Council Policy Internship

Posting number: 26-06051

Department: City Clerk

Job classification: Internship - Professional Support

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Public Relations, Internship, Communications, Career Exploration

Summary
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Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham

Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.

Hourly Rate of Pay: Hourly rate is based on the college level they are currently in 1st year (Freshman) $21.00 – 2nd year (Sophomore) $21.63 – 3rd year (Junior) $22.28 – 4th year (Senior) or Graduate Student $22.95

Work Days/Hours: 10 hours per week,  Monday - Friday    8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   
                               (Some Nights and Weekends)

The City Council Internship Program is designed to introduce undergraduate or graduate students to potential careers in local government policy making. The selected candidate will work within the City Council's Office on a variety of special projects and research assignments with City Council Members. 

Examples of duties

• Collect data, research proposed and pending policy issues

• Prepare for and attend key committee, board, and council meetings
• Address constituent questions and issues 
• Communications, including email, social media, mass media communications
• Draft and edit resolutions and policy memoranda
• Facilitate dialogue with other elected officials, city staff, other governmental jurisdictions and community partners

Knowledge and Skills 

• Interest in local government issues, including but not limited to carbon emissions reductions, climate resilience, planning, zoning, housing, transportation, parks and recreation, and other related urban issues;
• Experience or interest in learning communicating through social media, branding, layout and design, Microsoft products, Adobe products, ArcGIS;
• Strong writer;
• Working knowledge of city systems and agencies to support resident needs and well-being;  
• Knowledge of the Durham community;  
• Experience working with low-wealth communities.   

Special Abilities 

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with individuals and groups from varied cultural and socio-economic backgrounds;
• Ability to be patient, flexible, and well organized, as well as dedicated to resident and community goals;

• Ability to work evening and weekend hours.

Qualifications

• Candidate must be currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program.
• Candidate must demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills. 
  
  
  

Supplemental information

• Knowledge of the Durham community