City Council Internship Program

Job Description

City Council Internship Program

Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham. Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.

Compensation & Schedule

Hourly Rate of Pay: Hourly rate is based on the college level the individual is 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: Up to 15 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (some nights and weekends required).

Program Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect data, research proposed and pending policy issues.
• Prepare for and attend key committee, board, and council meetings.
• Address constituent questions and issues.
• Manage communications, including email, social media, and 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 planning, zoning, housing, transportation, parks and recreation, policing, emergency services, budgets, and other related urban issues.
• Experience or interest in learning communicating through social media, branding, layout and design, Microsoft products, Adobe products, ArcGIS.
• Should have a working knowledge of city systems and agencies to support resident needs and well-being.
• Knowledge of the Durham community is preferred.
• Significant experience working with low-wealth communities.

Special Abilities & Qualifications

• 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.
• Candidate must be currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program, in an accredited educational program such as City Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, or related degree program.
• Candidate must demonstrate strong analytical and data skills.
• Candidate must demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of the Durham community.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).