What are the responsibilities and job description for the SDOT Community Outreach & Public Affairs Intern position at City of Seattle?
Position Description
Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people, we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.
With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.
Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.
We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone together!
Position Overview:
SDOT’s Community Outreach and Public Affairs intern posting brings together six teams whose work centers on connecting communities, amplifying SDOT’s mission, and ensuring that Seattle’s transportation system is accessible, equitable, and understood by the people it serves. From media relations and digital content to hands-on community engagement and transit access programming, these roles share a common thread: building trust between the City and the communities we serve.
By applying to this job posting, you are applying for these opportunities:
Opportunity 1: PSM Downtown Activation Intern (Graduate)
SDOT’s Public Space Management (PSM) Program works to ensure Seattle’s streets, sidewalks, and public spaces are vibrant, equitable, and well-managed. The Downtown Activation Intern will contribute to the City’s Downtown Activation Plan—a mayoral priority tied to FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations—by managing public life data collection, supporting community-driven street activations, and increasing awareness of PSM permits among priority communities. This role is ideal for students passionate about urban planning, public space design, and equity-centered community engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
SDOT’s Communications team is seeking a Graduate Public Affairs Intern to support media relations, content creation, and proactive storytelling across multiple platforms. This is a high-visibility role that contributes directly to public awareness of SDOT’s work—including major initiatives such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Seattle Transportation Measure renewal, and significant project milestones. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, comfortable across digital platforms, and passionate about public sector communications.
Key Responsibilities:
The PSM Program Development Intern will support strategic outreach, community engagement, research, and program evaluation efforts focused on increasing awareness and equitable use of PSM permits—including outdoor dining, play streets, food trucks, and community-led events. This intern will work across PSM teams, including inspections and permit review, to understand how policy, equity priorities, and operations intersect in real-world implementation. Candidates with an interest in public space equity, community organizing, and program analysis are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
SDOT’s Public Engagement team supports outreach for City of Seattle transportation projects, including pedestrian and neighborhood scale improvements. This internship provides a genuine “real world” experience in public sector engagement—planning and implementing community events, developing communications materials, and supporting the execution of outreach strategies that help SDOT connect with diverse audiences. This role is well suited for students with strong communication skills and an interest in how community engagement shapes transportation decisions.
Key Responsibilities:
SDOT’s new Community and Mobility Hubs program aims to make accessing transit easy, safe, welcoming, and joyful. This graduate intern will support the program lead in building out the program—conducting site visits to transit stops, engaging directly with community members, developing design concepts based on community input, and collaborating with partner agencies and SDOT programs. This role centers on dignified mobility and care in the right of way, with a strong commitment to equity, safety, and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
The Transportation Access Program (TAP) team works to provide affordable, safe, and equitable access to public transportation for diverse Seattle communities—including youth, aging adults, and low-income residents. The TAP intern will support a large portfolio of programs including the Youth Ambassadors Program, the Transit Education Program for seniors, and various fare subsidy programs. This role is deeply community-facing and is best suited for students committed to transportation equity and direct service to historically excluded communities.
Key Responsibilities:
Engage in meaningful and educational opportunities that align seamlessly with your academic program, enhancing both your knowledge and skills.
Contribute to your community while building a rewarding and impactful career by working with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
Develop valuable networking connections with experienced professional staff, fostering relationships that can support your future career growth.
Take advantage of City-sponsored training sessions and professional development modules to expand your expertise and competencies.
Experience a diverse range of responsibilities and projects that contribute to making Seattle an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.
Competitive Pay and Benefits:
Qualifications
Preferred Areas of Study:
Urban Planning, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration, Public Policy, Sociology, Social Work, Public Health, Geography, Environmental Studies, Landscape Architecture, Community Development, Urban Design, or a related field.
Minimum Qualifications:
Internship dates:
Start/End Dates: June 2026 to June 2027
Schedule:
Intern will work up to 20 hours/week while school is in session, up to 40 hours/week during school breaks. Work hours can be scheduled between 8 am and 5 pm Monday - Friday. May work weekends, may work evenings.
Salary:
Undergraduate students will be paid $22.56 - $22.56 per hour.
Graduate students will be paid $27.67 - $27.67 per hour.
Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Your application will not be reviewed if any of these items are missing or incomplete.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process.
Hybrid Work: Interns are expected to report to work onsite in Seattle consistent with departmental in-office minimums and as operational needs require for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle. Therefore, interns are expected to have a Washington State address and reside in Washington State at the start and for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle.
Who May Apply:
This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.
Accommodations for people with disabilities is provided on request.
Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people, we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.
With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.
Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.
We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone together!
Position Overview:
SDOT’s Community Outreach and Public Affairs intern posting brings together six teams whose work centers on connecting communities, amplifying SDOT’s mission, and ensuring that Seattle’s transportation system is accessible, equitable, and understood by the people it serves. From media relations and digital content to hands-on community engagement and transit access programming, these roles share a common thread: building trust between the City and the communities we serve.
By applying to this job posting, you are applying for these opportunities:
Opportunity 1: PSM Downtown Activation Intern (Graduate)
SDOT’s Public Space Management (PSM) Program works to ensure Seattle’s streets, sidewalks, and public spaces are vibrant, equitable, and well-managed. The Downtown Activation Intern will contribute to the City’s Downtown Activation Plan—a mayoral priority tied to FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations—by managing public life data collection, supporting community-driven street activations, and increasing awareness of PSM permits among priority communities. This role is ideal for students passionate about urban planning, public space design, and equity-centered community engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with management of public life data collection for the Downtown Activation Plan and support evaluation of program impact.
- Support outreach initiatives in equity priority communities to increase awareness and utilization of PSM permits.
- Assist with the design, delivery, and evaluation of community-driven street activations and public space events.
- Produce outreach materials, spatial visualizations, and program documents using Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, and Excel.
SDOT’s Communications team is seeking a Graduate Public Affairs Intern to support media relations, content creation, and proactive storytelling across multiple platforms. This is a high-visibility role that contributes directly to public awareness of SDOT’s work—including major initiatives such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Seattle Transportation Measure renewal, and significant project milestones. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, comfortable across digital platforms, and passionate about public sector communications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Draft blog posts, press materials, talking points, and social media content to support SDOT communications priorities.
- Monitor and summarize media coverage and emerging trends to inform communications strategies.
- Create digital content including short-form video, graphics, and social media posts across platforms. Support equitable and inclusive communications including coordination of translated materials and outreach to multicultural media outlets.
The PSM Program Development Intern will support strategic outreach, community engagement, research, and program evaluation efforts focused on increasing awareness and equitable use of PSM permits—including outdoor dining, play streets, food trucks, and community-led events. This intern will work across PSM teams, including inspections and permit review, to understand how policy, equity priorities, and operations intersect in real-world implementation. Candidates with an interest in public space equity, community organizing, and program analysis are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build relationships with community members in equity priority areas and explore creative engagement strategies to increase awareness of PSM permit programs.
- Develop accessible outreach materials (flyers, info sheets, social media content) and staff community events and tabling opportunities.
- Analyze mapping and permit data to identify participation trends, barriers, and opportunities for equitable access improvements.
- Support program evaluation, synthesize community feedback, and develop recommendations to improve PSM programs.
SDOT’s Public Engagement team supports outreach for City of Seattle transportation projects, including pedestrian and neighborhood scale improvements. This internship provides a genuine “real world” experience in public sector engagement—planning and implementing community events, developing communications materials, and supporting the execution of outreach strategies that help SDOT connect with diverse audiences. This role is well suited for students with strong communication skills and an interest in how community engagement shapes transportation decisions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Write, design, and distribute communications materials including flyers, social media posts, presentations, signage, and website content.
- Assist in the planning and execution of public meetings and outreach events, including materials prep, logistics, note-taking, and creative support.
- Review and summarize public feedback and engagement metrics and compile results into summaries for internal and external audiences.
- Help develop and implement communications and engagement plans that connect with diverse audiences across SDOT projects.
SDOT’s new Community and Mobility Hubs program aims to make accessing transit easy, safe, welcoming, and joyful. This graduate intern will support the program lead in building out the program—conducting site visits to transit stops, engaging directly with community members, developing design concepts based on community input, and collaborating with partner agencies and SDOT programs. This role centers on dignified mobility and care in the right of way, with a strong commitment to equity, safety, and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct site visits to assess on-the-ground conditions at community and mobility hubs using Power BI and qualitative surveying tools.
- Support in-person community engagement events and activations at hub locations.
- Develop design concepts for hub improvements (lighting, seating, landscaping, art, wayfinding) based on community input and collaborate with SDOT program areas and agency partners.
- Draft communications materials including slide decks and blog posts to share the value and progress of the program.
The Transportation Access Program (TAP) team works to provide affordable, safe, and equitable access to public transportation for diverse Seattle communities—including youth, aging adults, and low-income residents. The TAP intern will support a large portfolio of programs including the Youth Ambassadors Program, the Transit Education Program for seniors, and various fare subsidy programs. This role is deeply community-facing and is best suited for students committed to transportation equity and direct service to historically excluded communities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Youth Transportation Ambassador Program and Transit Education Program for aging adults.
- Assist with outreach events, ORCA card distribution, and other community engagement opportunities.
- Contribute to planning and running the Youth Transportation Summit and support TAP-sponsored community programming.
- Manage administrative duties for TAP fare subsidy programs and respond to inquiries via the TAP email and phone line.
- Develop professional communications, outreach, and community engagement skills through direct work on public-facing programs and initiatives.
- Gain hands-on experience in public sector community relations, program development, and equity-centered service delivery.
- Build technical skills in tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, Power BI, Microsoft Office, and content management platforms.
- Receive mentorship from experienced SDOT communications professionals, program managers, and community engagement specialists.
Engage in meaningful and educational opportunities that align seamlessly with your academic program, enhancing both your knowledge and skills.
Contribute to your community while building a rewarding and impactful career by working with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
Develop valuable networking connections with experienced professional staff, fostering relationships that can support your future career growth.
Take advantage of City-sponsored training sessions and professional development modules to expand your expertise and competencies.
Experience a diverse range of responsibilities and projects that contribute to making Seattle an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.
Competitive Pay and Benefits:
- Paid sick leave after 90 days of employment.
- Enjoy commuting benefits including ORCA transit passes, bike programs and benefits, guaranteed ride home program, carpool matching, and more.
- Participate in the City’s Flash Mentorship program, offering quick and impactful guidance from experienced professionals to support your growth.
- Assist on the draft of blog postings, press materials, social media content, and community-facing communications for SDOT programs and high-profile initiatives. (25%)
- Plan, coordinate, and support community outreach events including public life data collection, neighborhood activations, transit access programming, and youth engagement activities. (25%)
- Assist with media monitoring, research, and development of visual content such as short-form video, infographics, and graphics. (20%)
- Support outreach in equity priority communities ensuring materials align with Title VI requirements and are accessible to diverse audiences. (15%)
- Provide program and administrative support including tracking deliverables, maintaining project files, and supporting customer service for transit access and public space permit programs. (15%)
Qualifications
Preferred Areas of Study:
Urban Planning, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration, Public Policy, Sociology, Social Work, Public Health, Geography, Environmental Studies, Landscape Architecture, Community Development, Urban Design, or a related field.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year educational program.
- All undergraduate students must have and maintain a 2.0 GPA and 3.0 GPA for graduate students.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, accessible, public-facing content.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
- Commitment to equitable service delivery and engagement with diverse communities.
- Experience with community outreach, event planning, customer service, or direct community engagement.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, video editing tools, or graphic design software.
- Experience with GIS, data analysis, or program evaluation tools.
- Interest in transportation equity, public space, transit access, or urban community engagement.
- Experience working with youth, aging adults, multilingual communities, or low-income populations.
Internship dates:
Start/End Dates: June 2026 to June 2027
Schedule:
Intern will work up to 20 hours/week while school is in session, up to 40 hours/week during school breaks. Work hours can be scheduled between 8 am and 5 pm Monday - Friday. May work weekends, may work evenings.
Salary:
Undergraduate students will be paid $22.56 - $22.56 per hour.
Graduate students will be paid $27.67 - $27.67 per hour.
Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Your application will not be reviewed if any of these items are missing or incomplete.
- Completed NEOGOV online application.
- Cover letter.
- Resume.
- Unofficial transcript including current classes and GPA.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process.
Hybrid Work: Interns are expected to report to work onsite in Seattle consistent with departmental in-office minimums and as operational needs require for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle. Therefore, interns are expected to have a Washington State address and reside in Washington State at the start and for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle.
Who May Apply:
This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.
Accommodations for people with disabilities is provided on request.
Salary : $23 - $28