Hybrid SDOT Public Affairs Intern chez City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone together!

Position Overview:
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is a nationally recognized municipal transportation agency at the leading edge of multi-modal transportation. SDOT is responsible for maintaining and operating the city’s roads, bike paths, sidewalks, and bridges. Our mission is to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities. 
 
The intern will be supervised and mentored by the Press Secretary, with additional support from others on the communications team. Primary training will be on the job, with opportunities to attend supplemental training as needed through the City’s training program. 

Professional Benefits:
•Contribute to your community while building a rewarding and impactful career by working with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
•Engage in meaningful and educational opportunities that align seamlessly with your academic program, enhancing both your knowledge and skills.
•Develop valuable networking connections with experienced professional staff, fostering relationships that can support your future career growth.
•Take advantage of City-sponsored training sessions and professional development modules to expand your expertise and competencies.
•Experience a diverse range of responsibilities and projects that contribute to making Seattle an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.

Competitive Pay and Benefits:
•Paid sick leave after 90 days of employment.
•Enjoy commuting benefits including ORCA transit passes, bike programs and benefits, guaranteed ride home program, carpool matching, and more.
•Participate in the City's Flash Mentorship program, offering quick and impactful guidance from experienced professionals to support your growth.

Position Duties

30% - Public Affairs: Assist the public relations team with tracking and reporting on media activity and trends. You may also be asked to help with research and writing support such as drafting press releases, blog posts, and social media content. 
 
35% - Blog Writing & Proactive Story Telling: Work with others throughout the department to identify compelling story ideas which illustrate the critical work SDOT does to create an equitable, safe, sustainable, and vibrant city. Research and write about these topics for the SDOT blog, internal communications, or social media. 
 
15% - Equity & Inclusive Public Affairs: Support SDOT's commitment to race and social justice by coordinating inclusive and equitable public affairs efforts. Coordinate the translation of communications materials into other languages and facilitate outreach to multilingual / multicultural media outlets. 
 
10% - Communications Standards: Help develop toolkits and training materials to record best practices and protocols for public affairs and communications. Work with other SDOT staff and members of the communications team to ensure a consistent message is coming from all our communications channels. Update and maintain the SDOT media contact list. 
 
10% - Other: These responsibilities are only a summary of typical functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job duties. You may sometimes be asked to perform other tasks and will also have the opportunity to work with your supervisor to identify other projects based on your interests and learning goals. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education: 
Open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year educational program.

Preferred Areas of Study:
Journalism, Communications, Public Administration, Marketing, Political Science, English, Urban Planning, Sustainable Transportation, or a related field. 

Undergraduate majors must maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA throughout the internship.
Graduate students must have and maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA throughout the internship.

You will be successful in this internship if you have: 
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office. Ability to learn to use other software programs common in a modern work environment. 
• Ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base. 

Desired Qualifications:
• Passion for communications work and have a commitment to continuing to develop skills and learn and grow. 
• Interest or knowledge of transportation issues and a desire to support SDOT in building a safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation system. 
• Experience or coursework relating to public relations, marketing, journalism, public administration, political science, urban design, sustainable transportation or a related subject. 
• Ability to translate complex and highly technical information into a clear, straightforward, and compelling story using plain language. 
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a sense of humor under hectic and quickly changing work conditions. 
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills which emphasize engagement, inclusion, and accessibility 
• Multilingual.

Other Qualifications

Internship dates:
Start/ End Dates: November 2025 – December 15th, 2026.

Schedule:
Intern will work up-to 20 hours/week while school is in session, up to 40 hours/week during school breaks. Work hours can be scheduled between 8am and 5pm Monday - Friday. May work weekends, may work evenings.

Salary:
Undergraduate students will be paid $21.78-$21.78 per hour.
Graduate students will be paid $26.71-$26.71 per hour.

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Your application will not be reviewed if any of these items are missing or incomplete.

1.Completed NEOGOV online application.
2.Cover letter.
3.Resume.
4.Unofficial transcript including current classes and GPA. (Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.)

For students transitioning from an undergraduate to graduate program, submit admissions offer to the graduate program to confirm intention of fall enrollment.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check which includes a criminal history review.  

Hybrid Work:
Interns are expected to report to work onsite in Seattle consistent with departmental in-office minimums and as operational needs require for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle. Therefore, interns are expected to have a Washington State address and reside in Washington State at the start and for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle.

Who May Apply:
This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities is provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.