Communications Internship

This is a one-year, full-time, paid Internship Program

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Arlington County’s Department of Libraries (Arlington Public Library) is seeking a professional Communications Intern to provide support and assistance in implementing communication and/or branding strategies and outreach programs for the department.

Major Job Duties: 

• Write copy for internal and external websites and social media to promote programs/projects, seasonal campaigns, and new services;
• Design flyers and promotional materials;
• Write and/or edit press releases, newsletters, speeches, social media scripts, talking points for presentations, reports, flyers, brochures and more; 
• Support media relations and field inquiries from the press;
• Assist in the design and coordination of libraries’ special events and programs; and 
• Provide support to the Marketing and Communications and Programs, Outreach and Partnerships Departments for signature public events.

Location: Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, VA

Arlington County

Arlington County is an innovative local government in Northern Virginia seeking motivated candidates for one-year internship opportunities across multiple departments. These roles are ideal for recent graduates and current graduate students with limited professional experience who are looking to kickstart their careers.

Interns gain hands-on experience supporting key County initiatives while participating in a structured cohort-based development program. Throughout the year, interns work under the mentorship of senior staff, contributing fresh ideas, improving processes, and leveraging technology to enhance organizational effectiveness, all while familiarizing themselves with a public-sector environment.

Key info:

• The position is available to start August 3, 2026.
• This is not a fully remote opportunity, in-office hours are to be expected.
• Interns are also expected to participate in both in-office work assignments as well as a member of the in-person training cohort.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Recent, 2025 and/or 2026 college graduates earning either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree* in the area of consideration prior to the start date of the Cohort Program (Sept. 2026) must have:

• No professional-level work experience (less than one year) in the internship field; and
• You may be a currently enrolled student in a Master’s degree program related to the internship, but you must not have significant professional-level work experience in the internship area and must be available to work during designated hours.

Degree Requirements: Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Information, Journalism, English or Library Science.

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

• G.P.A. of 3.0 or above is preferred and applicants may be asked to provide certified official transcripts; and/or
• Experience using WordPress, Adobe Illustrator, and/or Canva Pro.

Special Requirements

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Driver's License: Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver’s license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicant’s driving record. Alternatively, the applicant must have the ability and willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite.

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions. 

Additional Information

Work Hours: This is a full-time position (40 hrs/week) Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm with some flexibility and telework opportunities available upon prior approval from the supervisor. This is not a fully remote opportunity. Employees will be expected to be in the office at the discretion of the Supervisor and needs of the agency as well as to attend in-person classroom training.

Applicants may be asked to provide certified official transcripts.

Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions.

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All Cohort Interns are eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental and leave.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

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