Graphic Design & Social Media Intern

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Community Development Department (CDD) is the planning agency for the City of Cambridge. CDD's mission is to foster a livable, sustainable, just, and equitable community. CDD has three programmatic divisions - Economic Opportunity & Development, Community Planning & Design, and Zoning & Development - and also encompasses the Housing Department and the Arts Council. Together, we engage and collaborate with community partners, other government agencies, businesses, and residents to make Cambridge a desirable place to live, work, learn, play, and innovate.

INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of CDD's Communications Manager, the selected candidate will support the department in two key areas: graphic design and the maintenance of social media accounts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create visual materials for print and digital platforms, including postcards, flyers, reports, social graphics, and other collateral, while departmental content adheres to citywide brand guidelines.
• Craft social media campaigns and produce content-including static posts, reels, and videos-and schedule posts across platforms.
• Support photography and video projects, including capturing and editing content to document and promote CDD programs and initiatives.
• Maintain and organize the department's photo and image library.
• Assist with print production tasks such as obtaining quotes, preparing files, and archiving materials.
• Ensure all digital and print content complies with accessibility standards.
• Optimize social media content and posting cadence for each platform; adjust approach based on algorithm changes and performance trends.
• Maintain social content calendar.
• Other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Education & Experience

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, or Marketing & Communications or possess equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in layout design and typography.
• Experience with digital content creation and social media management.

Desired Skills and Interest

• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere).
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) and social management tools (e.g., Sprout Social).
• Understanding of accessible design standards (WCAG, Section 508).
• Knowledge of social media best practices, including content strategy informed by platform algorithms.
• Photography, videography, and video editing skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively; the candidate will be detail-oriented and capable of discussing "big picture" ideas.
• Ability to prioritize and manage simultaneous tasks and projects.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse range of department staff and other City employees in a courteous and professional manner.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 and digital illustration in InDesign a plus.
• Interest in civic engagement, community outreach, and communications a plus.
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Standard office environment. Fluorescent lighting, computers, standard office equipment, and air conditioning. Moderate noise level with a shared workstation. This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City's Telework Policy, depending on operational needs.

START DATE & DURATION

May 2026 (exact date negotiable). A minimum commitment through December 2026 is expected.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS & INCLUSION

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.