HBCU Communications Intern- Communications Office

Communications at the North Carolina Department of Transportation

The Communications team at NCDOT plays a vital role in connecting the department's mission, goals, and projects with the public, stakeholders, and employees. This team manages a wide range of responsibilities, including media relations, public outreach, content creation, and internal communications. Through strategic storytelling, visual design, and digital platforms, Communications ensures transparency and engagement while promoting NCDOT’s impact on transportation infrastructure and safety across North Carolina. By crafting clear, effective messaging, the team helps foster trust and collaboration between NCDOT and the communities it serves.

Job Summary: The Communications Office at the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is seeking a dynamic and creative intern to assist with communications, outreach, and content creation. This internship offers hands-on experience in crafting messaging, developing multimedia materials, and contributing to key communication strategies for a large public organization. The intern will interact with various team members and senior leadership, gaining exposure to high-profile projects and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Handle project outreach by developing communication plans and strategies.
• Write engaging articles, social media content, and other communications materials.
• Create and design basic graphics, videos, and multimedia content for use on websites, social media platforms, PowerPoints, and presentations.
• Collaborate with team members to develop professional and visually appealing presentations.
• Support internal and external communications by synthesizing complex information into clear and concise messaging tailored to various audiences.
• Assist with managing social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, while leveraging tools such as Cision and SharePoint for effective communication.
• Work on tight deadlines and balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining professionalism.
• Occasionally interact with NCDOT leaders, including deputy secretaries, senior management, and division engineers, to support strategic initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere, and Lightroom.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, succinct, and engaging stories.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Creativity, flexibility, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency with social media platforms and tools, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Cision, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedules to meet the needs of large-scale projects or crisis situations.

Education Requirements:

• Currently pursuing a degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field.

Desired Traits:

• Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced office environment and evolving deadlines.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented.

Supervision and Work Environment: The intern will work closely with various members of the Communications Office and participate in regular check-in meetings to track progress and address challenges.

If you are looking to apply your skills in a meaningful way, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to help shape the messaging of a major public organization, this position is for you!

1. Resume:
   • Highlight your educational background, relevant coursework, skills, work experience, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your qualifications for the position.
2. Academic Transcript:
   • Provide an unofficial or official transcript that lists your completed coursework, grades, and current GPA. This will help us assess your academic qualifications and areas of study.

• Must be a currently enrolled full-time student in a bachelors, masters, or professional level program at an accredited or recently graduated from a North Carolina Historically Black College/University (HBCU) or Minority Serving Institution (MSI) within the past three years.
• 24 credit hours completed.
• Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 (on 4.0 scale)
   

To help you with your interview, we suggest that you do your research: know some background about NCDOT and the business area to which you are applying. We also suggest that you practice your interview skills by discussing your experience and job history with a family member, friend, or mentor.

Dr. Jarrett Eason jdeason1@ncdot.gov

More Information About The Office of HBCU Outreach: 

Website: NCDOT: HBCU/MIHE Internship Program

Salary : $18