Public Affairs Intern (Paid Intern)

Posting number: 9021SY-0726-280 (O)

Department: John Wayne Airport

Job classification: UNDERGRADUATE INTERN

Posting type: Open

Categories: Airports

Summary

       The Airport

Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, John Wayne Airport (JWA) is the only commercial service airport in Orange County, California. Owned and operated by the County of Orange, it is located along the coast in one of the most premier regions in the country. JWA is a vital piece of the County’s transportation system, serving more than 11.7 million passengers annually. The airport offers nonstop flights to over 40 destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada via 11 commercial airlines and two air cargo providers.

In addition to its commercial operations, JWA serves as a major hub for general aviation, with nearly 500 private aircraft housed onsite. General aviation accounts for approximately 60% of the airport’s total operations and is supported by two full-service fixed-based operators (FBOs) and a limited-use facility. John Wayne Airport’s reputation for providing a superior guest experience, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship continues to make it a distinguished airport in the region and across the country.

• Mission: Connecting People, Places and Opportunities.
• Vision: To be an airport of choice by creating exceptional experiences.
• Core Values: REACH  
  • Respect
  • Environmental Stewardship 
  • Accountability
  • Collaboration 
  • Honesty

To learn more about working at John Wayne Airport, click here.
To learn more about the County of Orange, click here.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION 
The Public Affairs Division is comprised of four functional units: Access and Noise, Communications, Customer Relations, and Media Relations. The division is responsible for all aspects of government, communications, customer relations and media and public relations at JWA. Public Affairs staff is charged with responding to media and public inquiries; community engagement; connecting the public to information; resources and services; serving as front-line customer service agents; coordinating Ambassador and Tour Guide volunteer programs; planning and organizing museum-quality exhibitions; disbursing information via the Airport website; tracking local, state and federal legislation; enforcing the "Settlement Agreement"; educating the surrounding communities about access and noise issues and handling noise complaints.
 
THE OPPORTUNITY 
This internship is an in-person internship and is assigned to the Public Affairs team at JWA.  The Public Affairs Intern will gain hands-on experience in airport public relations, strategic communications, and community engagement while supporting the Public Affairs team at John Wayne Airport. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in developing and executing communications initiatives that enhance public awareness, promote airport programs and events, and engage the traveling public through digital and in-person outreach. 

The intern will assist with creating content for social media platforms, including graphics, photography, videography, and written copy, while helping monitor engagement, analytics, and emerging trends to improve content performance. The intern will also support the planning and execution of airport events, such as ribbon-cuttings, community outreach activities, art installations, and press conferences by assisting with logistics, event promotion, guest engagement, and on-site support. Additional responsibilities include drafting communications materials, monitoring media coverage, organizing outreach resources, and providing administrative support for communications projects. Throughout