Digital Communications & Graphic Design Intern

AGENCY DESCRIPTION:

The Community Development Department (CDD) is the planning agency for the City of Cambridge. Encompassing Economic Opportunity & Development, Community Planning, Zoning & Development. Housing, and Environmental & Transportation Planning divisions, CDD's mission is to foster a livable, sustainable, just. and an equitable community. The Department takes an interdisciplinary approach to manage and guide physical change in a manner consistent with the City's priorities, engaging and collaborating with the public, community partners and other government agencies to make Cambridge a desirable place to live and work.

INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to CDD's Communications Manager, the selected candidate will provide support in two key areas: graphic design and maintenance of digital platforms including our website, social media accounts, and email marketing software.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Create visuals for both print and digital media supporting various divisions in CDD

• Create basic layouts/design templates for postcards, posters, brochures, flyers, reports, marketing emails, and other materials

• Write accessible image descriptions for digital marketing collateral

• Support photography and video projects

• Update and maintain photo and image library

• Assist with print production (set up files, archive, etc.)

• Post approved content onto CDD's website

• Assist with designing and setting up new pages

• Ensure that all content adheres to website guidelines and standards, including accessibility and SEO best practices

• Implement best practices for website user experience

• Other related duties as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, Web Design, or Communications or possess equivalent work experience

• Demonstrated experience in layout design, typography

• Experience with content management systems

DESIRED SKILLS AND INTERESTS:

• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies

• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)

• Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram) and management platforms (e.g. Sprout Social)

• Familiarity with marketing automation platforms (e.g. Constant Contact)

• Familiarity with or willingness to learn accessibility standards including WCAG and Section 508 Standards

• Basic understanding of HTML

• Photography, videography, and/or video editing skills a plus

• Ability to meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively; the candidate will be detail-oriented and capable of discussing "big picture" ideas

• Ability to prioritize and manage simultaneous tasks and projects Ability to communicate with a diverse range of department staff and other City employees in a courteous and professional manner.

• Interest in civic engagement, community outreach, and communications a plus

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard office environment. Fluorescent lighting, computers, standard office equipment, and air conditioning. Moderate noise level with a shared workstation. This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City's Telework Policy, depending on operational needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

Start Date & Duration: April/May 2024 (exact date negotiable). A minimum commitment until December 2024 is expected.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

Please upload the below documents to complete your application:

• Resume

• Cover Letter