Intern Common Council

SALARY: $15 per hour.

DURATION: Approximately May 4th thru Aug 17th 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assists the Common Council members with communications events/programming public relations social media and special projects for the City of South Bend Common Council; provides administrative support to council members regarding communication and legislative responsibilities.

SCHEDULE:

Varied schedule up to 25-30 hours per week. Schedule may vary based on operational needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Respond to constituent concerns via telephone email and traditional correspondence in timely efficient manner and redirecting to other city departments or outside agencies when necessary. Create and maintain records relating to the assistance provided.

Organize and coordinate city outreach efforts and other public events.

Ability to work with a degree of autonomy.

Assists with development and execution of communications and marketing pieces to the general public media neighborhoods and internal staff with an emphasis in communication media as well as design and graphics.

Develop and implement social media strategies/campaigns across all channels (Facebook Twitter Instagram and YouTube).

Maintains and coordinates scheduling for production of individual council member messages as well as sub-sets to the entire council message.

Time spent will rotate between Council members in order of Council priorities (Put together by Chief of Staff Council President and Council members)

Will work on Council branding and specific Council programing campaigns

Assists with media programing/events and special projects coordination and others as needed.

Will join City Communicators group to keep up to date with branding within the City

Will attend all Council on and off-site events in order of Council priorities

Works in conjunction with the Common Council. Council attorney and City Clerk and the Clerks staff.

Manage day-to-day social media logistics messaging and ongoing needs. Develop and implement strategies to minimize the impact of negative reviews/feedback on social media.

Monitor social media accounts outside of standard work hours for negative comments and work with the Council on appropriate responses.

Organize initiatives and plan events or press conferences

Liaise with media and handle requests for interviews statements etc.

Collect track and measure social media analytics to generate reports and make informed decisions based on the results for engagement campaign building audience targeting and future content choices.

Create and disseminate content for all online/print calendar listings.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

Answers phones and performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this position successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Current undergraduate or graduate student in good standing working toward a degree in Social Studies Political Science History or Business Administration or similar program. Recent graduates will also be considered.

Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY:

Ability to work flexible hours including evenings/weekends in order to attend Council/City Clerk events Common Council and Committee meetings both on and off-site.

Must be able to type at least 60 words per minute with accuracy.

Strong grammar and writing skills.

Detail oriented and organized with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Skilled at establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Strong computer skills including MS Office.

Bilingual language skills (Spanish preferred) a plus but not required.

CERTIFICATES LICENSE REGISTRATION:

None

EQUIPMENT:

Desktop and laptop computer; telephone fax machine copier and scanner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit and walk and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to fingers handle or feel objects tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office setting with moderate inside temperature. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office. The entire office is smoke free.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at will employer.

Required Experience:

Intern