2026 Economic Development & Marketing/Communications Internship

The City of Urbandale is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Economic Development & Marketing/Communications Intern to support City initiatives. Reporting to the Economic Development Director, this internship supports both the Economic Development and Marketing/Communications teams and provides a well-rounded learning experience in economic development, volunteerism, and municipal marketing. 

The intern will assist with the Urbandale Uplift Project (https://events.urbandale.org/uplift/) by coordinating volunteers, collaborating with businesses and non-profit organizations, supporting event planning, and assisting with vendor coordination. Additional duties include developing email campaigns, promoting volunteer opportunities, updating marketing materials, documenting volunteer participation, and maintaining accurate records. The intern will also support marketing and communications efforts by creating photo and video content, managing media and photo databases, and helping promote City programs and initiatives.

This temporary internship is open to undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in community or regional planning, public administration, marketing/communications, event planning, or a closely related field. Recent college graduates (within 12 months of graduation date) may also be considered.

The internship runs from May through the end of October 2026. The expected commitment is approximately 30 hours per week during the summer and 5–10 hours per week during the fall. Only candidates who are available for the full duration of the internship period will be considered.

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

Economic Development:

• Lead the Urbandale Uplift Project, the City's primary volunteer program.
• Recruit, organize, and coordinate volunteer teams from area businesses.
• Coordinate with vendors for event planning.
• Coordinate with area non-profit organizations.
• Develop and implement email campaigns.
• Market and advertise volunteer opportunities to Urbandale businesses and employees.
• Assist with updates of departmental marketing materials (profiles, flyers, etc.).
• Attend occasional City, community, and industry meetings.
• Assist with event/meeting planning and coordination, as needed.
• Document volunteer participation milestones and maintain records of volunteer events.
• Add to database of City photos to be used for promotional materials.
• Respond to/assist with inquires and complete special projects; other duties as assigned.

Marketing/Communications:

• Create and disseminate engaging photo and video content for City promotions.
• Update and manage the City’s media database.
• Collaborate with staff to promote City programs and initiatives effectively.

Periodic Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Attends training sessions and other meetings as required.

Typical Qualifications

• Must be an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in a preferred field real estate, community/regional planning, public administration or fields of marketing/communications, meeting and event planning, social work, political science, business administration, finance, business, or related field. Recent college graduates (within 12 months of graduation date) may also be considered.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must be available for the full duration of the internship (May through the end of October 2026) to be considered.

• Ability to communicate professionally, in person and in writing.
• Ability to function effectively as a team within a larger office environment.
• Ability to self-direct work and be productive independently.
• Ability to define tasks that lead to finished high-quality work product that meets deadlines.
• Ability to research and identify credible sources of information.
• Ability to problem solve and develop solutions independently.
• Knowledge of event planning.
• Knowledge of community and neighborhood planning and redevelopment.
• Knowledge of economic development.
• Knowledge of project management.
• Knowledge of social networking sites.
• Knowledge and experience with Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Strong proofreading, editing, organizational, verbal, and writing skills.
• Solid understanding of the internet and social media best practices.
• Fearless attitude towards technology and a willingness to learn.
• Strong time management skills.
• Proactive mindset and ability to think and work creatively and collaboratively.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Knowledge and experience with DSLR or iPhone photography/videography.

Supplemental Information

There is one (1) opening available for the 2026 internship. This opportunity will be posted until filled.

For more information regarding the Urbandale Uplift Project, please contact Aaron DeJong, Director of Economic Development, at (515) 251-1644 or adejong@urbandale.org. For questions related to Marketing/Communications, please contact Anna Steenson, Marketing & Communications Specialist, at (515) 331-6859 or asteenson@urbandale.org.

Post-offer/pre-employment reference checks, background/motor vehicle report check, and drug screening are required. 

Candidates will receive notifications via email from www.governmentjobs.com (NEOGOV). Please apply using an active email address that you check often, and consider enabling text alerts to stay informed.

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@urbandale.org or (515) 331-6738 prior to the application deadline.