What are the responsibilities and job description for the Economic Development Associate/Intern position at City of Williston?
The City of Williston Economic Development Department is seeking an Economic Development Associate/Intern, for the period of May 2026 through August 2026. (Dates are flexible)
Within the first week of the internship, the intern will identify, with the Executive Director, a project to complete over the term of the internship. This project will be tailored to the intern’s background field of study.
Detailed Job Description: The Summer program offers an up to 12-week paid internship opportunity with the City of Williston Economic Development office in Williston, ND. The internship program is a combination of mentoring, learning activities, and project work designed to give a broad exposure to the inner workings of the economic development office. The nature of the assignments will vary, allowing the opportunity to exercise customization and creativity, while providing a practical and challenging business experience.
Experiences will include but not limited to:
- Assisting with the redevelopment efforts of Williston Square.
- Attendance at sponsored community outreach events.
- Working with our partner the Small Business Development Center.
- Exposure to workings of city government departments and the Board of City Commissioners.
- Business development and marketing techniques
- Navigating the political aspects of business development
- Exploring finance and grant opportunities for business development
- Other
- Writing letters and emails to community stakeholders/dignitaries
- Accompanying staff on meetings
- Interaction with city and state government officials
- Supporting various office duties
- By the end of the internship the student will increase their general understanding/skills in the following areas:
- Community business recruitment and development
- Community outreach activities
- Community public relations
- Economic development marketing techniques
- Local and state politics pertaining to business development.
- General community business development and marketing activities
Desired Majors and or fields of study: Business Admin, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations.
Special Requirements: Excellent organizational skills, ability to work independently, general interest in community economic development, willingness to work in a team environment, flexibility, desire to work on varying projects, and ability to be creative and unique. *Experience with graphic design or visual content creation is a strong plus.
Compensation: The internship will consist of up to 40 hours per week, depending on department needs and the intern’s availability. The compensation shall be $18.00 per hour.
Note: The hours per week can be flexible and tailored towards the intern. We want to see our interns have a great experience.