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Internship Opportunity

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Harrisonburg, VA

Job Type

Internship

Job Number

Intern 2026 - Winter (CMO)

Department

City Manager's Office

Opening Date

10/20/2025

Closing Date

11/7/2025 5:00 PM Eastern

FLSA

Determined by Position

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Description

Are you a student seeking real-world experience in public administration with a locality recognized both regionally and nationally for a variety of achievements? If so, apply to the City of Harrisonburg's City Manager's Office Internship Opportunity!

The City of Harrisonburg is offering students the opportunity to combine academic studies with on-the-job training and experience while completing their education through an unpaid internship. Currently, the City is accepting applications for a Winter 2026 opportunity and anticipates a start date of January 20, 2026 (subject to change).

Maximum weekly hours will be determined based on a variety of factors, including applicant availability and class schedule, and are anticipated to be up to 20 hours per week for 3 or more months. Duration of the internship is flexible to accommodate university requirements for length.

Sample duties that may be assigned during this internship opportunity, based on the skillset of the intern, include but are not limited to:

+ Assisting the City Manager’s Office with a variety of issues and projects and coordinating action and follow-through with City departments.

+ Conducting surveys, research, and analysis of various issues.

+ Supporting the planning and organizing of community outreach events.

+ Reviewing and providing feedback on internal and external communications products such as memos, newsletters, flyers, and more.

+ Assisting in scheduling and coordinating meetings and discussions with City departments about promotion of City programs and services.

+ Assisting with videotaping and video editing.

+ Assisting with photography of events.

+ Preparing reports, proposals, and other documents.

+ Attending bi-weekly City Council meetings.

+ Attending meetings in conjunction with executive managers.

+ Assisting with file maintenance and data entry.

+ Handling daily office activities, including answering phone calls, updating contact lists, and drafting correspondence.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

+ A current undergraduate student or graduate student with a major in Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.

+ No prior professional experience required.

The ideal candidate will, at a minimum, possess:

+ Strong research skills.

+ Strong computer skills and knowledge of programs such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

+ The ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

+ The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff and other department representatives.

+ The ability to act in a professional and apolitical manner in carrying out duties.

Supplemental Information

Application Deadline: Students are required to submit a complete City of Harrisonburg application online by 5:00pm EST on Friday, November 7, 2025 in order to be considered for an internship opportunity. A cover letter and resume are recommended to be included with the online application but are not required.

Students will receive further communication from the department's hiring managers if selected for an internship opportunity.

Disclaimer: Participation in an internship is not a guarantee of full-time, part-time, or seasonal/temporary employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.

The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interns are not eligible for benefits with the City of Harrisonburg.