Communications Intern

Job Description

Communications Intern

Organization: Seattle Today

Seattle Today is an innovative start-up local newspaper and media platform dedicated to capturing and sharing the stories that define our vibrant city. Our mission is to integrate comprehensive reporting, dynamic multimedia, and authentic community voices to illuminate the critical issues, inspiring people, and rich cultures that make Seattle truly unique.

Our approach to journalism is deeply community-driven, combining incisive reporting, engaging digital storytelling, and vital local business coverage. We strive to amplify diverse voices across Seattle’s myriad neighborhoods. Since its inception, Seattle Today has experienced remarkable growth, cultivating a robust digital community that now exceeds 40,000 followers on Instagram and more than 7,000 on TikTok. This rapid expansion positions us as one of the fastest-growing local media voices in the entire region.

Position Summary

Seattle Today is actively seeking a creative and highly motivated Communications Intern to join our bustling newsroom. This pivotal role is centered on the production of engaging multimedia content, providing crucial support for storytelling initiatives across various digital platforms, and significantly contributing to the expansion of Seattle Today’s presence throughout the metropolitan area.

The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of social media storytelling, demonstrated experience in filming compelling short-form video content, and a genuine passion for showcasing local businesses, remarkable people, and the rich cultural tapestry of Seattle.

Weekly Duties & Responsibilities

As a Communications Intern, you will collaborate closely with our dedicated team, focusing on three core areas:

Content Creation

• Capture and produce engaging social media content, including dynamic videos, compelling stories, and visually appealing graphics, all meticulously aligned with Seattle Today’s mission.
• Shoot high-quality short-form video content specifically tailored for platforms such as Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Facebook.
• Write engaging captions, provide assistance with visual editing, and contribute to the effective management of content calendars.

Co-Editing & Production

• Assist with various aspects of video editing, photography, and the comprehensive preparation of stories for publication.
• Help prepare diverse multimedia content for seamless publication across all social platforms and the Seattle Today website.

Community Engagement

• Actively help amplify stories, ensuring they reach a broad audience across multiple platforms.
• Engage thoughtfully with audiences through comments and messages, responding appropriately and fostering interaction.
• Support meaningful interaction with local businesses, dynamic entrepreneurs, and cherished community members featured in our extensive coverage.

Compensation & Time Commitment

• Time Commitment: Part-time, approximately 5 hours per week.
• Location: Hybrid model. Preparation and editing work can be completed remotely. Interviews, video shoots, and photo sessions are conducted in person on Wednesdays and Thursdays, either at our downtown office or at various news-related locations across Seattle.
• Duration: 10 weeks.
• Compensation: A stipend of $1,050.
• Start Date: April 1, 2026.

Required Qualifications

• Applicants must not currently be enrolled in school and must be available to commit fully to the established internship schedule.
• Possess a strong alignment with Seattle Today’s core mission to tell authentic, impactful local stories.
• Demonstrated familiarity with popular social media platforms, particularly Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
• Proven experience in filming and editing engaging short-form video content.
• Basic proficiency with essential editing tools such as CapCut, Adobe Premiere, iMovie, or Canva.
• Exceptional writing, communication, and visual storytelling skills.
• Comfortable appearing on camera and engaging confidently with the public.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience creating compelling digital content for media, journalism, marketing, or nonprofit organizations.
• A solid understanding of strategies to grow social media engagement and expand audience reach.
• A keen interest in pursuing a career in journalism, communications, digital media, or storytelling.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is deeply passionate about media, communications, and storytelling, and is eagerly looking to gain invaluable hands-on experience within a dynamic and fast-paced newsroom environment. They should feel comfortable filming content in diverse public settings, conducting interviews with local business owners or influential community members, and producing high-quality short-form videos that effectively highlight Seattle’s vibrant culture, burgeoning entrepreneurship, and rich community life. This role is perfectly suited for individuals aiming to build a robust professional portfolio in journalism and digital media while making a tangible contribution to a rapidly growing independent local newsroom.

What’s In It For You?

• Media & Communications Career Preparation: Build an impressive portfolio of diverse multimedia content that will significantly support your future career pursuits in journalism, communications, or digital media.
• Professional Development: Gain practical, hands-on experience in essential areas such as reporting, social media strategy, and innovative digital storytelling.
• Career Experience: Strengthen critical practical skills in video production, platform management, and effective audience engagement.
• Impact & Leadership: Play a vital role in amplifying the authentic voices of Seattle’s local community while contributing meaningfully to the growth of a prominent independent newspaper.