Communications Intern 2019 (Durango, CO)

About CDOT

Are you looking for a challenge?  Do you have a passion for helping people?  Do you want to be part of a diverse team that is committed to making the transportation system in Colorado safe and efficient?  Then, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is the place for you! CDOT is devoted to incorporating technology, providing equal employment opportunities, developing leaders, and improving systems in order to provide outstanding customer service.  By saving lives and making lives better by providing freedom, connection, and experience through travel, CDOT is committed to becoming the number #1 Department of Transportation in the country. In working towards this goal, we believe every one of our employees plays a critical role. CDOT's core values include safety, people, integrity, customer service, excellence and respect.  Please visit https://www.codot.gov/ to learn about CDOT and how we are making Colorado a great place to live, work and play, now and for the future!

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The Colorado Department of Transportation is seeking motivated and responsible college students or recent graduates pursuing a career in communications and public relations.  Our interns will gain experience in a wide range of communications disciplines, including writing, social media, public relations and internal communications. 

Typical intern assignments include writing, producing multimedia content, coordinating employee and public events, preparing for media interviews, supporting internal communications.  A potential intern should be comfortable working independently but also working with a team and a supervisor.  During your internship, you will be expected to:

1. Serve as a project communications specialist by gathering and producing communications collateral including:

• Video press release support
• Traffic Watchers
• Project news release distribution/Maintenance activity traffic advisories/Lane Closure Reports
• Database management including distribution lists
• Coordination assistance for special events (ribbon cuttings, media tours, Remembrance Day, etc.)

• Crafting social media posts, monitoring and responding to questions and comments
• Working with customer service team on hot topics, key messages and supporting escalated customer service contacts. Also support reporting and trend analysis

• Digital media (Four Winds/TVs)
• Intranet updates
• Regional newsletters
• RADAR

• Any college student enrolled in an accredited community college, college or university seeking an Associates, Bachelors, Masters or Ph.D. degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Journalism, Political Science or a closely related degree.  A copy of your transcript must be submitted with your application.  See NOTE below.

• A recent college graduate.  Recently graduated means the individual should have attended an accredited college or university and have graduated with an Associates, Bachelors, Masters or Ph.D. degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Journalism, Political Science or a closely related degree within three calendar years.   A copy of your transcript must be submitted with your application.  See NOTE below.

• A certified participant in the Colorado Refugee Services Program

• Pursuing a related degree, such as Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science.
• Proven ability to synthesize data/results, identify trends/key findings and present innovative communications objectives.
• First rate capability to compose and put in writing press releases and other communications directed to the media, community groups and public in general.
• Innate curiosity and aptitude (staying abreast of trends and activities) that demonstrate thought leadership and new ideas/recommendations.
• Be self-motivated, organized, willing to help with any project no matter how large or small and be able to balance multiple priorities at once.

Complete applications must include:

1.   A complete CDOT Application for the Announcement Vacancy (please submit online using the link this announcement)
2.  A current copy of your college / university transcripts or credential report that shows all coursework, the name of the school and whether a degree was granted.  Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Please attach to your online application
3.  A chronological resume.   Please attach to your online application.
4. A Cover Letter. describing your qualifications for. and interest in this internship  Please attach to your online application.
6. One written paragraph about "Why would working in transportation be cool"  Please attach to your online application.
7. A short communications or multi-media example.  Please attach to your online application or submit to the contact listed below. 

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application, but may be used to supplement information to the application. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application being rejected.

Only complete applications will be given consideration. Every effort must be made to submit transcripts by the announcement close date.  Where unusual circumstances prevent timely acquisition of transcripts, they must be submitted within five business days of the announcement close date. 

Former employees of the Colorado Department of Transportation System or any other State of Colorado Department or Agency, who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination, must disclose this information on his/her application.

Contact:
Lynn Livingston
LynnR.Livingston@state.co.us
Fax 303-757-9081