City Council Internship Program

Job Description

Here is the detailed enriched job description:

About the Job: City Council Internship Program

Organization: City of Durham

Tagline: Work, Serve, Thrive.

Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.

Compensation:

• 1st year (Freshman): $21.00 per hour
• 2nd year (Sophomore): $21.63 per hour
• 3rd year (Junior): $22.28 per hour
• 4th year (Senior) or Graduate Student: $22.95 per hour

Work Schedule:

• Hours: Up to 15 hours per week
• Days: Monday through Friday
• Typical Shift: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Flexibility Required: Some nights and weekends may be 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 directly with City Council Members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collect data and conduct research on proposed and pending policy issues.
• Prepare for and attend key committee, board, and council meetings.
• Address constituent questions and issues effectively.
• Handle 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.

Required 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.
• Communication & Digital Tools: Experience or strong interest in learning communication through social media, branding, layout and design, Microsoft products, Adobe products, and ArcGIS.
• City Systems Understanding: Working knowledge of city systems and agencies to support resident needs and well-being.
• Community Knowledge: Knowledge of the Durham community is preferred and required for special abilities.
• Community Engagement: Significant experience working with low-wealth communities.

Special Abilities and Qualifications:

• Relationship Building: Ability to build and maintain relationships with individuals and groups from varied cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Personal Attributes: Ability to be patient, flexible, well-organized, and dedicated to resident and community goals.
• Availability: Ability to work evening and weekend hours when required.
• Academic Enrollment: 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 a related degree program.
• Analytical Skills: Candidate must demonstrate strong analytical and data skills.
• Communication Skills: Candidate must demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.
• Durham Community Insight: Knowledge of the Durham community is essential.
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency in MS Office applications (such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).