Communications InternAt — Los Nietos School District

The Los Nietos School District is seeking a motivated and creative Communications Intern to support district-wide efforts in strengthening community engagement and showcasing the outstanding achievements of our students and staff. This internship offers hands-on experience in educational communications, branding, and digital media strategy.

Responsibilities:

Assist in developing and maintaining a strong social media presence for the district and its school sites.

Create engaging digital and print content, including flyers, graphics, and announcements.

Support the design, writing, and publication of the district newsletter.

Contribute to the district’s rebranding efforts by helping craft consistent messaging and visuals that reflect our mission and values.

Gather stories, photos, and highlights to spotlight student and staff success across platforms.

The Communications Intern will engage in professional-level assignments that provide meaningful opportunities to apply and demonstrate learning outcomes. The majority of the duties will focus on pre-professional communication, media production, and branding tasks within a public education context.

Primary Duties (Professional/Pre-Professional – 80%+)

Develop, schedule, and manage social media posts across district and school platforms to enhance engagement and visibility.

Research, write, and edit short-form and long-form content for newsletters, social media, website updates, and press releases.

Design flyers, digital graphics, and promotional materials consistent with district branding and visual identity guidelines.

Collaborate with district and site staff to gather stories, photographs, and event highlights that celebrate student and staff achievements.

Participate in the district’s rebranding process by assisting in the development of consistent messaging, color palettes, and tone across communications.

Contribute to the layout and publication of the district newsletter, integrating text, images, and design elements into cohesive and engaging formats.

Monitor communication analytics (e.g., social media reach, engagement, and open rates) to help assess the effectiveness of outreach efforts.

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling district-related materials and communications.

Supplemental Duties (Supportive/Administrative – up to 20%)

Assist with organizing digital files, photo libraries, and communication archives.

Attend district events to document activities through photography and short video clips.

Support planning and logistics for community engagement campaigns and recognition events.

Participate in periodic reflection sessions and progress check-ins with the internship mentor.

Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college program in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.

Strong writing, editing, and design skills.

Familiarity with social media platforms and basic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe).

Creative thinker with a passion for education and storytelling.

Training:

Students participating in this internship will receive a comprehensive blend of orientation, hands-on training, and guided mentorship designed to develop professional communication and media skills within an educational setting. Training will include:

General Employer Orientation (Mandatory): Introduction to the Los Nietos School District’s mission, vision, communication protocols, and workplace expectations. Students will also receive an overview of district programs, school sites, and branding standards.

Weekly One-on-One Mentor Meetings: Regular check-ins with the district’s Communications and Human Resources team to review progress, set goals, provide feedback, and discuss professional growth.

Job Shadowing and Collaboration: Opportunities to observe and assist district staff in creating social media content, developing newsletters, designing flyers, and documenting school events.

Skills Workshops and Hands-On Practice: Guided instruction in design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Express), social media management, writing for diverse audiences, and brand storytelling.

Contextualization of Assigned Tasks: Each project will begin with a briefing session to explain the purpose, target audience, and desired outcomes, ensuring alignment with district communication strategies.

Review of Communication Resources and Samples: Exposure to existing district publications, branding materials, and templates to model best practices and support quality output.

Learning Opportunities:
The Communications Intern will gain experience in strategic communication planning, brand development, content creation, and community outreach—all within a dynamic public school district setting.

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to:

1. Develop and implement effective social media strategies that enhance the district’s online presence and community engagement.

2. Design and produce engaging digital and print materials—including flyers, graphics, and announcements—that align with district branding and communication goals.

3. Write, edit, and publish newsletter content that informs and connects district stakeholders, demonstrating proficiency in layout, tone, and audience awareness.

4. Apply principles of branding and visual identity to ensure consistent messaging and imagery that reflect the district’s mission, values, and culture.

5. Identify and showcase success stories by gathering and curating content that highlights student achievements, staff excellence, and district initiatives across multiple communication platforms.

6. Demonstrate professional communication and collaboration skills while working within an educational organization to meet deadlines and project goals.