Office of Data & Innovation - Innovation & Strategy Intern

Job Description

The Office of Data & Innovation (ODI) helps Salt Lake County departments solve problems, improve services, and build a culture of innovation across government. We partner with teams across the county on projects involving research, process improvement, data, communications, facilitation, and creative problem-solving. This internship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting meaningful public sector work while learning how innovation happens inside local government. This includes work related to research, process mapping, data and performance support, communications, training, facilitation, and innovation project development.

This internship is designed for a student or recent graduate who is interested in government innovation, organizational improvement, and public sector problem-solving. The intern will support a wide variety of ODI initiatives and gain hands-on experience working on projects that may include research, project coordination, presentation development, meeting support, communications, and special projects across Salt Lake County Government.

This opportunity is ideal for someone curious, adaptable, organized, and excited to contribute to meaningful work that supports innovation in local government. The intern will work closely with ODI team members and may also collaborate with staff from other county departments, depending on project needs.

Schedule and Work ArrangementThis is a part-time internship beginning in May 2026 and continuing through the Summer 2026 semester. The expected commitment is up to 20 hours per week, primarily during standard business hours, with some flexibility to accommodate a school schedule. Work may be performed remotely, with the expectation of coming into the office approximately once per week or as needed for meetings, collaboration, or special events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist with research and information gathering to support ODI projects and county initiatives.• Help organize, summarize, and communicate project information, meeting notes, and next steps.• Support process improvement efforts through documentation, coordination, and analysis.• Assist in developing presentations, training materials, summaries, and other internal communication tools.• Support data-related and operational projects, which may include light analysis, quality checks, content organization, or dashboard/presentation support.• Participate in meetings, workshops, trainings, and collaborative project activities.• Assist with special projects that advance innovation, continuous improvement, and cross-departmentalcollaboration.• Contribute to a positive, professional, and responsive team environment.• Perform related duties as assigned in support of the Office of Data & Innovation.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.• Ability to complete tasks under deadlines while managing multiple projects.• Motivated, creative, detail-oriented, adaptable, and dependable.• Self-motivated team player who also excels as an individual contributor.• Willing to familiarize themselves with the functions of the various branches of county government before starting the internship.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest or experience in one or more of the following areas: research, communications, data analysis, public policy, process improvement, project coordination, training, facilitation, or design.• Familiarity with presentation development, professional writing, or meeting support.• Experience using tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, Smartsheet, Canva, or similar platforms.• Interest in how government services, systems, and internal operations can be improved.• Students pursuing studies in public administration, public policy, business, communications, social sciences, data analytics, education, design, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

 

PAY: $17-20/hour, depending on experience

 

START DATE: The internship begins May 2026 – September 2026

 

TO APPLY:Required Documents• Resume• Schedule availability

 

PHYSICAL ADDRESSSalt Lake County2001 S State Street S3-200

Salt Lake City, UT 84114

 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Interns may work remotely or from the Salt Lake County Government Complex. They will be provided with a computer and an email account. Interns may be asked to attend meetings off-site, at other government facilities, or in the community.

PAID INTERN POSITIONS

• Are not considered merit employees.• Are not guaranteed employment following their internships.