Communications and Marketing Student Intern

This is a temporary, term-limited, internship position.

The Communications and Marketing Intern under general supervision, provides administrative and technical assistance in support of SMART’s community outreach and education efforts, employee communications, and marketing campaigns, including writing and editing material for publication, assisting with the details of projects such as the production and handling of project information, distribution of printed materials, logistics for public meetings and outreach events, and other associated tasks; attends public outreach events; adheres to set schedules to keep projects moving to meet deadlines; work will include assisting in the preparation of documents and website content that summarize the District’s service, fares and schedules as well as plans and activities for the continued construction of the SMART rail and bicycle/pedestrian project.

Examples of Duties

Position duties and skills include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists SMART Communications and Marketing Staff in coordinating public meetings, creating and coordinating informational publications, placing advertisements in local publications, and making reservations.
• Staff informational booths at summer fairs and festivals for the SMART Communications and Marketing department, which includes set-up, clean-up, contacting organizations, serving as the SMART point of contact, creating associated materials, attending the event as a SMART representative and responding to project related questions.
• Assists in the logistics of materials and AV equipment for meetings
• Acts as a liaison and coordinates with the department staff regarding events, informational materials, advertisements, and displays;
• Assists in the preparation of agendas and presentation materials for community outreach meetings, special events and public hearings.
• Assists in preparing outreach materials as directed by senior department staff as required in a timely manner.
• May assist with developing and maintaining website and social media content.
• Must be able to participate in meetings and outreach activities on weekends and evenings;
• Performs related work as required.

SMART is seeking a qualified college student to intern for the duration of the new fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and working towards a degree in Communications, Marketing or a related field.

Experience and Education:

Sufficient training, education and experience to demonstrate the required knowledge skills and abilities. Typically, a high school diploma and college-level coursework in public relations, planning, journalism, marketing, communications or a related field.

Possession of a valid California driver’s license is required at the time of appointment.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods and techniques of effective public communications, public relations, news media communications and community outreach;
• Principles and techniques of preparing advertising, writing copy, layout and production.
• Standard English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Techniques for making effective presentations to individuals and groups.
• Techniques for effectively dealing with the media.
• Techniques for preparing effective written and audio-visual materials.

Desired Skills

• Spanish speaking a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• Copy writing
• Proficiency in various Social Media platforms
• Experience with public speaking, presenting and interfacing with the public

Ability to:

• Organize, establish priorities, and set goals and objectives.
• Identify and define technical problems.
• Compile and analyze data from a variety of sources;
• Communicate ideas and concepts through creative writing and presentations to large and small groups;
• Make effective presentations to individuals and groups of varying ages, interests and backgrounds.
• Draft, edit and proofread written materials for publication;
• Plan and organize outreach and promotional activities;
• Use sound independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Complete multiple assignments efficiently and meet established deadlines in a fast paced team environment;
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Operate a personal computer with common software applications; learn specialty software of the work unit;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.
• Work collaboratively with other divisions and co-workers.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Work non-traditional hours, including weekends, holidays and evenings.

Position Details:

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

This position is part-time, at-will, temporary.

This position is not eligible for benefits.

Hours negotiable. 999 hrs maximum per year.

SMART is a drug-free workplace. All employees will be expected to behave in accordance with this policy.

If you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation to participate in a SMART program, service, or activity, requests may be made by calling SMART Human Resources at 707-794-3039 (Voice), Dial 711 for CA Relay, or by email to jobs@sonomamarintrain.org at least five business days in advance of the event. We will do our best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats upon request.

SMART is an equal opportunity employer.