Citizens Planning Institute Communications Intern

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Department of Planning and Development works in collaboration with communities to promote, plan, preserve, and develop successful neighborhoods for all. Reaching these goals requires city agencies to work together with residents, businesses, developers, advocates, funders, and each other. Planning and Development has a team of agencies that do just that. Our agencies include:

Philadelphia Art Commission

Philadelphia City Planning Commission

Division of Development Services

Division of Housing and Community Development

Philadelphia Historical Commission

Zoning Board of Adjustment

We also partner with the PHDC

The Division of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) is housed with the City’s Department of Planning and Development. DPZ is comprised of the Planning Commission (PCPC), Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), Historical Commission (PHC), and the Art Commission. Each of these groups are supported by staff and collectively they work to ensure that proposed development is consistent with the City’s long-term vision for the built environment. This is done through a variety of activities, including engagement with the community, research and review of proposed City policies, review of proposed development on public and private properties, and protection of historic assets.  

The Citizens Planning Institute (CPI) is the outreach and education entity of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. CPI has been offering bi-annual classes since 2010 to educate Philadelphians about city planning and encourage residents to learn more about creating a more livable, green, and sustainable Philadelphia.  Successful graduates completing the 15 required hours of classes receive a Certificate of Completion as a Citizen Planner. To date, the 700+ graduates of the program represent 18 of the 18 planning districts of the city.

Job Description

The Spring internship position is for 10-15 hours per week and is for a student who is interested in learning about how this program may be more effective, and the role of city planning in general. This position has flexible start and end dates.

Remote and Hybrid Schedules Available.

Essential Functions

The intern’s duties may include, but may not be limited to the following:

• interview alumni and draft Citizen Planner in Action stories for the CPI website
• schedule daily social media posts
• develop quarterly CPI newsletter and alumni newsletter
• create promotional videos for the program and the CPI in a Box resource
• design introductory presentations for materials in the CPI in a Box resource
• create Alumni survey and analyze responses
• clean up and maintain CPI participant database
• support Spring CPI course
• participate in City groups: Social Media Working Group and Equitable Engagement Collaborative

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The position would suit an enthusiastic detail-oriented student interested in community planning and citizen advocacy issues with good communication skills. Basic MS Office proficiency required. GIS skills are preferred but not required.

• Social media – twitter, facebook, and 3rd party scheduler site
• Constant contact
• Wordpress
• Videography

The CPI is the education component of Philadelphia’s Integrated Planning & Zoning Process, which was recognized with a 2013 “National Planning Excellence Award for a Best Practice” from the American Planning Association

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 15-20 hours per week.  Our team is currently hy