Overview of the Public Information Office Team:

The Public Information Office (PIO) team is one of the four teams that comprises the Public Affairs department. PIO’s mission is to create unified communication through the development and distribution of thorough, consistent, and accessible messaging. PIO identifies the right audiences, channels, and timing by collaborating with teams and departments across the agency.

PIO is responsible for public relations and marketing functions for the entire agency including but not limited to receiving and responding to public inquiries, disseminating information to media outlets, writing speaking points, writing and distributing the agency newsletter, conducting advertising, managing social media profiles, and writing content for the website.

Role:
The Public Information Office (PIO) Intern will support the team with various public relations and marketing functions.

Assist with planning and organizing a variety of media, promotional, and special events.
Assist with drafting news releases, prepare responses for stakeholder inquiries, and analyze metrics.
Monitor daily media coverage and draft reports for agency distribution.
Support ongoing marketing and awareness efforts, including outreach and social media coordination.
Assist with researching, writing, and editing newsletters, news releases, print/broadcast advertising, social media content, video scripts, and other collateral materials.
Support regular maintenance of the SANDAG.org website including content review, page updates, and metrics reporting.
Assist with inventory management and organization of Public Affairs promotional and storage items.
Assist with other related tasks.

College level coursework in journalism, communications, marketing, media relations, multimedia, public policy, public administration, business, or a related field.
Experience completing assignments that involve researching, analyzing, and synthesizing information into written summaries, reports, or recommendations.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite of products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to communicate with various audiences using exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; familiarity with the Spanish language is desirable.
Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask and work on several projects simultaneously.
Flexibility and willingness to perform a variety of tasks typical of an entry-level communications position.
Understanding or knowledge of local and regional government agencies and public policy is preferred.
Knowledge of effective verbal and written communication techniques, social media platforms, public relations, and marketing strategies, is preferred.
Ability to take high quality photographs and video, and experience with video-editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, is preferred.

Salary Range:

Full Pay Range is $16.49 - $23.92/hour
Pursuing Undergraduate Degree: $20.00/hour
Bachelor’s degree or higher: $23.00/hour.
One-year opportunity working 19-29 hours per week, Monday – Friday during regular business hours.
Expected Start Date: February/March 2026

San Diego Association of Governments jobs

Public Information Office Intern