Intern - Common Council - S

Assists the Common Council members with communications, 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. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements list below are representative of the knowledge, education, skills and abilities required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Respond to constituent concerns via telephone, email and traditional correspondence in timely, professional, and customer-focused manner, referring matters to appropriate City departments or external agencies as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to constituent services, inquiries, and assistance provided.
• Assist in organizing, coordinating, and supporting community outreach initiatives, public meetings, Council events, and other civic engagement activities.  
• Perform assigned duties with a  high degree of initiative, professionalism, discretion, and independent judgment.
• Assist in the development, design, and distribution of communication and marketing materials for the public, media, neighborhood organizations, and City staff with an emphasis in communication media as well as design and graphics.
• Support the development and implementation of social media campaigns and communication strategies across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other digital channels.
• Maintain and coordinate scheduling for production of individual council member messages as well as sub-sets to the entire council message.
• Provide support to Council Members based on established Council priorities and assignments as directed by Council President and Common Council Members.  
• Assist with Council branding efforts, public awareness campaigns, and special communication initiatives.
• Support media relations activities, special events, community engagement efforts, and other projects as assigned.
• Participate in City communication and branding initiatives, including collaboration with City communicators and other departments to ensure consistent messaging and adherence to established branding standards.
• Attend Council meetings, community events, and other on-site or off-site functions as assigned and in accordance with Council priorities.
• Collaborate with Council Members, the Council attorney, the City Clerk, and Clerk's Office staff to support legislative, administrative, and public engagement activities.
• Monitor social media activity and help identify, document, and respond appropriately to public feedback, concerns, and inquiries with Council leadership and established communication protocols. Develop and implement strategies to minimize the impact of negative reviews/feedback on social media.
• Assist with monitoring the Council's social media platforms during assigned work hours, identify comments or inquiries that may require follow up, and support staff in developing appropriate responses.  Escalate serious or urgent concerns to the appropriate staff member and maintain a positive and professional online presence.
• Assist with planning and coordinating community initiatives, public announcements, media events, press conferences, and related activities.
• Collect, analyze, and report social media and digital communication metrics to evaluate engagement, campaign building, audience targeting, and inform future content choices and communication strategies.
• Create, maintain, and disseminate content for online and print event calendars, community listings, and public notices.
• Answer telephone calls, provide general administrative support, and assist visitors, residents, and stakeholders as needed.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 

N/A

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY:

• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings in order to attend City 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.   

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Valid Driver's License

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.

UNION AFFILIATION:

N/A

REQUIRED:

Pre-Employment Drug Screening

Background Check

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 management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at-will employer.