The Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Office of Communications and External Affairs is responsible for sharing information internally and externally, proactively and reactively, related to the newest state agency in Florida. This is an opportunity to work with a team of communications professionals in a fast-paced, highly visible government agency to gain relevant communications experience.
The Communications Intern will work alongside DEO’s Communications team to organize, develop, and implement communications strategies for the agency. Responsibilities in this position are in public relations and communications in an effort to promote a positive public image among DEO’s various audiences. The intern will collaborate with the Communications and External Affairs Director, Press Secretary, and External Affairs Manager, as well as other divisions in the organization, to research, coordinate internal and external messaging, and assist with projects as needed.

Responsibilities Include:

• Media Relations
  • Receive and acknowledge incoming inquiries from members of the media.
  • Research responses to inquiries.
• Research
  • Develop briefings for external meetings through research.
  • Explore opportunities to find new, appropriate outlets to share DEO’s message.
• Electronic/New Media
  • Work with Communications staff to ensure ongoing improvement of website.
  • Actively monitor DEO’s online reputation and social media accounts.
• Publications
  • Manage creation, production, and dissemination of printed and electronic publications for internal education, development, and administration purposes.
  • Draft press releases.
  • Compile agency information for reports.
• Administrative
  • Answer the Communications Office phone line, transfer calls, and take messages.
  • Manage the agency’s Brand and Style Guidelines.
  • Conduct other administrative duties for Communications and agency as needed.

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to provide information succinctly, accurately, and clearly in verbal and written communiques.
• Skilled in researching and obtaining information.
• Experience or training in public and media relations.
• Attention to detail and grammar accuracy.
• Proficiency with most Microsoft Office applications and other commonly-used programs.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish is desired but not required.

Full-time and part-time, unpaid internships are available immediately, and the schedule is flexible. Please email resume and writing sample to Jessica.Sims@deo.myflorida.com if interested.