Job Details

Internship Opportunity

The City of San Luis Obispo is looking for a passionate, creative and hardworking college student to assist with the marketing and promotional programs for SLO's tourism efforts, Visit San Luis Obispo. This position will gain valuable tourism industry and municipal government experience through hands-on tourism marketing projects and interactions with City advisory bodies, departments, contractors, and strategic partners. Interns will report to the City's Economic Development & Tourism Manager and while responsibilities will depend on experience and interest, they can expect to gain first-hand experience in:

• Research special projects related to real property development, sustainability, municipal-level economic development, or destination management
• Working in an office environment, applying teamwork and project management skills
• Conducting market research and implementation
• Developing marketing content and collateral
• Coordinating communications with hotel members and strategic partners
• Organizing support of trade and media requests and familiarization tours
• Maintaining a website and managing a photo/video library
• Updating VisitSLO.com with seasonal imagery, events and other content as needed
• Supporting community and constituent engagement
• Building your network of professional contacts
• Initiating and carrying out other tasks/special projects as needed

The Intern classification series is used Citywide to introduce the City to students as a potential employer and to provide practical work experience to local students. Duties are defined by the internship level and the departments to which the Intern is assigned. Interns may advance in both level and pay based on education and operational needs.

Interns at the II level are freshman or sophomore year college students, community college students, or vocational school students who have completed high school. They are able to evaluate information gained in accordance with established policies and procedures and assist professional staff in ongoing project work.

Interns at the III level are junior or senior year college students, or degree-holders working on their secondary degree. They are only eligible to work in a position related to their field of study. They participate in project work in an increasingly responsible role and may participate in the analysis of problems and in the preparation of reports under the supervision of professionals.

Interns at the IV level are graduate school students, or degree-holders working on their professional certification. They are only eligible to work in a position related to their field of study. They work under the supervision of professionals and assume responsibility for preliminary studies, analysis, and recommendations on systems and procedures.

Knowledge of: Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and other agencies. Understand, interpret, and apply instructions, rules, and regulations. Carry out oral and written instructions. Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

Desired Knowledge and Abilities: Currently pursuing undergraduate or graduate degree in political science, marketing, communications, tourism, business, public policy, city planning, or related field. Interest in local government, economic development, business, or community engagement. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Canva. Experience conducting research and applying analysis. Effective oral and written communication. Ability to show initiative, multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Demonstrated maturity to work successfully in a fast-paced setting. Professional, positive and confident attitude. Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects. Ability to work as a team to achieve departmental goals.

In order to qualify for the Intern classifications, a student or recent graduate must:

• Have the legal right to work in the United States.
• Be enrolled in an accredited institution or a school licensed by a state agency, or have graduated from such an institution or school within the last six months.
• Have an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 on a four-point scale.
• Submit a completed application for employment, unofficial transcript, and proof of enrollment or course schedule for the current school session.

This position will be required to complete the following before a final offer is made:

• Depending upon assignment, may be required to pass a background check.
• Depending upon assignment, may be required to pass a physical exam.

This is a temporary position, with no benefits.