Economic Development Internship – Gain Real-World Experience in Your Community!

Job Description

Economic Development Internship – Gain Real-World Experience in Your Community! | City of Auburn

The Tone:
This is an internship with the City of Auburn, located in Auburn, WA. The City of Auburn is dedicated to fostering community development and economic growth, valuing diverse perspectives and life experiences. This role is crucial for supporting local businesses, enhancing community engagement, and contributing to the city’s progress through hands-on experience in public administration and urban development.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Seasonal (10-week program, up to 40 hours/week; includes some evenings and weekends)
• Location: Auburn, WA (In-person)
• Pay: $20–$23.15 hourly
• Team: Reports to the Economic Development Manager
• Mission: Contribute to local growth and innovation by supporting community development initiatives and promoting economic vitality.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Business Collaboration: Work one-on-one with local businesses to help support and grow the local economy.
• Event Coordination: Assist with planning and coordinating community events that significantly impact local engagement and business development.
• Policy Research: Conduct primary research on how peer cities approach economic development through policies, programs, and resources.
• Data Management: Collect data, perform field assessments, and help prepare detailed reports to track the success of economic development programs and projects.
• Marketing & Outreach: Collaborate on creating outreach and marketing materials, including email campaigns and departmental profiles, to support branding strategies.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Early Career. Candidates must be pursuing or have recently completed (within 12 months) an undergraduate or graduate degree in Public Administration, City & Regional Planning, Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Finance, or a related field. Must have successfully completed at least one college course in one of these domains.
• Experience: Prior experience in economic development, planning, public administration, or related fields, including professional, volunteer, or student experience. Must have previous exposure to an office environment, including customer service, report writing, or project management.
• Skills: Strong organizational skills, the ability to multi-task effectively, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision. A confident, proactive attitude suitable for a dynamic environment.
• Bonus: Availability to work up to 40 hours per week throughout the 10-week program, from June 15th to August 21st.