Job Details

Public Information Officer Intern

To support the communication and public outreach efforts of Bonneville County by the creation and dissemination of accurate, timely, and engaging information to the public and media. The intern will gain hands-on experience in public relations, media relations, and strategic communications. This includes working with a variety of media outlets and platforms such as local newspapers, radio stations, television news, official government websites, social media channels, email newsletters, and other related outlets. The goal is to enhance public awareness, promote transparency, and support effective communication between Bonneville County and its citizens. This is a temporary position, expected to end upon the completion of the enrolled college program term and may not exceed a 14-week period.

Works under the general supervision of the Chief Operations Officer. None.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in Content Creation
• Draft press releases, news updates, social media posts, talking points, and other public communication materials under the guidance of the Board of Bonneville County Commissioners.
• Support Media Outreach
• Help coordinate with local media outlets (newspapers, radio, television, and online publications), and assist in responding to media inquiries, and help develop implement, and evaluate Bonneville County's social media and other public facing outreach.
• Manage Digital Platforms
• Update and manage content on Bonneville County's official website and social media accounts, ensuring that messaging is current, consistent, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Monitor Media Coverage
• Track news articles, social media engagement, and public sentiment related to the County; assist in preparing media summaries and reports.
• Participating in Public Events
• Attend community meetings, press conferences, or outreach events to observe or assist with communication efforts and public interaction.
• Enhance Public Engagement
• Help develop engaging, informative materials (e.g., flyers, fact sheets, graphics) to promote programs, initiatives, or public awareness.
• Ability to maintain regular, reliable patterns in work product and attendance according to Bonneville County's expectations.
• Perform any other related functions as required and assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 1. Education and Experience: A. Graduation from high school or equivalent AND B. Currently enrolled in college with a major in Organizational Leadership, Public Relations, Visual Communication, Digital & Social Media, Journalism, Video Production, or a related field.
• 2. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Some knowledge of organization, structure, and ethics of electronic or print news media; audiovisual production, including video productions, still photography, slide shows or computer-generated graphics related to public information objectives; Some experience with planning, developing, and implementing public information projects; developing and making oral presentations to groups; interpreting and translating technical or specialized material into information useable by the public; producing or editing informational material using electronic word processing; gathering and preparing general interest news; developing, writing, and producing informational material for mass distribution and specialized audiences; social media platforms.
• 3. Special Qualifications: Must possess and maintain a current driver's license; Must be flexible in availability to attend evening meetings and work beyond regular business hours as needed; Must successfully complete a background check and pass a drug screening.
• 4. Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in an office environment and the employee in this class is subject to inside environmental conditions. It requires sitting at a desk for long periods of time (up to 8 hours). Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permit the employee to perform and accomplish tasks in a general office environment. The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

AA/EOE/ADA - Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.