Communications Internship - Summer/Fall 2026

Full Job Description

This is a non-merit internship position. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

The 5th District has exciting Communications internship opportunities for Summer and Fall 2026. This role offers hands-on experiences with real-world projects that support staff, strengthen communication, and enhance community engagement. Please note that these internship opportunities are unpaid.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and update content for newsletters, training materials, and web page content (writing, editing, basic design, photos/video, and graphics)
• Support a variety of district initiatives that will allow you to sharpen your graphic design, communications, and more
• Attend team meetings, events, and occasional outreach activities

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age and have completed at least two years of college by the start of the internship
• Must be currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution
• Preferred majors/coursework include, but are not limited to, Advertising, Business, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or Graphic Design
• Must be proficient in Canva for creating graphics, training materials, and photo/video content
• Strong writing, proofreading, and editing skills with excellent attention to detail
• Creative, flexible, organized, self-directed, and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Comfortable being in a criminal justice environment
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality

Internship Details

• Hours: Up to 20 hours/week (Flexible based on student needs)
• Location: Des Moines
• Start Date: May 2026 (Summer Experience) or September 2026 (Fall Experience)
• Pay: Unpaid (professional experience and portfolio-building opportunities)
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 (Summer Experience) or July 31, 2026 (Fall Experience)

To apply, please submit a completed application via the Government Jobs website and attach a current resume and college transcripts.

E-Verify and Right to WorkThe State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

Applicants for positions in this class must be currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution, as determined by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.