Department:

Communications

About Our Job

This is a unique opportunity for an inquisitive, self-motivated, and creative individual to make a positive impact on Sarasota County. Sarasota County Government is seeking an intern for the Public Information and Community Outreach Division of the Communications Department to work with a Digital Content Creator. This position will be focused on promoting the Emergency Management team of the Emergency Services department.

This internship offers the opportunity to gain additional experience in content creation with an emphasis on emergency management. Additionally, other learning experiences can be developed with the intern’s interest and area of study within the field of Communications. Through real-world experience, the program will provide the intern with a constructive review and evaluation of their skills and competencies, providing growth opportunities and direction to further professional and educational development.

Job Description:

Are you interested in getting hands-on experience in your chosen field? Do you want to make a difference in your community?

Intern Sarasota County is dedicated to providing students with an unsurpassed learning experience and insight into the dynamic world of public sector employment.

Develop new skills you can apply in the workplace. Gain skills that will enhance your resume and increase your career options while exploring public service! Observe and participate in tasks and responsibilities performed daily by skilled professionals. Experience workplace culture, office dynamics, and business etiquette.

Your internship will include impactful hands-on work within a department, networking, professional development, and building long lasting connections with other interns, mentors, and Sarasota County team members.

Department Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Digital Content Director to foster positive community interactions on social media platforms by creating various forms of content with a focus on videos and images — suitable for the various social media platforms through the social media content calendar and the Sarasota County website.
• Work with Emergency Management division creating video and graphics for social media campaigns that can be used throughout the year.
• Collaborate with the Communications Department and various other departments to ensure that content is relevant, especially for social media.
• Research to learn more about current trends, developments, and perceptions about the subject matter, and then contextualize findings for management as needed. Provide input to the communications planning process and assist in developing social media campaigns and strategies.
• Provide staging, presentation and public address (PA) support.
• Follow department and county government procedures, policies, directives, and guidance. Ensure actions are aligned with the county’s vision, mission, values, and goals. Provide excellent customer service in each task and/or assigned project whether for internal and/or external use.
• Participate in training as necessary, stay up to date on communications skills, trends, strategies and tools.
• Collaborate with your department colleagues to make and influence real changes.

Internship Program Responsibilities:

• A presentation to the County Administrator and other County Leadership staff is required at the close of the internship program on Friday, August 8, 2025.
• Participate in all organized intern events and trainings.

Your Internship Includes: 

• In-person, on-site work!
• Competitive wage 
• Hands-on work experience
• Professional headshot
• 1-1 mentoring with county staff
• Professional Development Events:
  • Civics 101 & Facility Tour
  • Own Your Career
  • Business Etiquette & Professional Networking
  • Philanthropy & Your Career
  • Board of County Commission Public Hearing Session
  • Speaking for Success

Learn more about the internship program at: scgov.net/intern

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old, or age 16-17 with pare