Social Media and Digital Engagement Intern

Description

The City of Lynchburg’s Communications & Public Engagement Department is seeking an organized, creative, and digitally savvy Social Media and Digital Engagement Intern with a strong interest in public communications, storytelling, and community engagement. This internship provides a hands-on learning experience for students interested in social media management, content strategy, and digital marketing within a local government setting.

This internship will focus on social media content planning, scheduling, and digital asset organization, with opportunities to support photography, video storytelling, and analytics. Interns will work alongside communications professionals to help strengthen the City’s digital presence and share stories that connect residents with their community.

This internship offers a behind-the-scenes look at how digital communications strengthen government transparency, community trust, and civic pride. Interns will gain practical experience in social media management, content planning, and digital storytelling—all while helping share the story of Lynchburg with residents and beyond.

Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and at least one social media sample (e.g., personal or professional account managed by candidate, a mock post, campaign, or class project).

Essential Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties necessary to deliver services to customers and citizens may be assigned.

Social Media Management & Planning

• Assist with daily management of the City of Lynchburg and Lynchburg Parks & Recreation social media channels, with additional support to other municipal accounts as needed
• Schedule and organize posts for staff review and approval
• Develop and maintain a social media content calendar to plan posts, campaigns, and highlight events
• Monitor post performance and make recommendations for optimization
• Ensure all content aligns with the City’s brand voice and visual identity
• Stay informed about current social media trends, formats, and algorithmic recommendations to maximize organic reach and engagement
• Identify opportunities to incorporate trending audio, hashtags, and visuals while maintaining brand consistency

• Participate in bi-weekly editorial meetings to brainstorm ideas, review upcoming campaigns, and collaborate with the Communications & Public Engagement team
• Work with staff to develop strategies that strengthen the City’s digital presence and encourage resident engagement
• Collect, organize, and catalog photos, videos, and user-generated content for future use
• Assist with the migration of digital assets into the City’s Digital Asset Manager (Canto)
• Help select photographs and video clips that best showcase Lynchburg’s people, places, and events

• Social Media Management: Meta Business Suite, Metricool, or similar scheduling tools
• Digital Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Canto, Microsoft Teams
• Design Tools: Canva, Adobe Express, Meta Edits, and other creative applications

Minimum Education and Experience Required

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must be a current college junior, senior, or graduate student

• Strong interest in social media strategy, communications, and community storytelling
• Familiarity with major social media platforms and digital engagement trends
• Working knowledge of Canva, Adobe Express, and Meta editing tools
• Excellent writing, organization, and time management skills
• Positive attitude, initiative, and collaborative spirit
• Detail-oriented, curious, and eager to learn new tools
• A passion for Lynchburg and connecting with the community
• Basic photography experience

Additional Requirements

Interns are expected to work 15–20 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends for event coverage.

Possession of valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.

Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 180 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.