Mayor's Office Internship - Summer 2026

Full Job Description

Agency Summary

As the head of the executive branch, the Office of the Mayor is responsible for enforcing city ordinances and state laws; appointing, supervising and removing heads and employees of city government departments, agencies and divisions;appointing, supervising, and removing deputy mayors, with appointments subject to City-County Council approval; communicating and coordinating with the City-County Council concerning the financial condition and budget of the city and county; and setting the salaries of city employees. 

Job Summary

The Mayor's Office Internship program provides students the opportunity to learn about and contribute to city government, hear from local leaders, and experience the day-to-day operations of Indianapolis.

This is a great opportunity for students interested in starting a career in public service or generally learning more about the structure of local government.

Our interns develop foundational knowledge, communication skills, and a strong network of community leaders and organizations during the program all while getting to know and fall in love with Indianapolis.

Internship will take place from May 11, 2026 – August 14, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Requirements

Intern responsibilities often include but are not limited to: conducting research; developing social media content; performing public outreach and actively participating in community meetings; developing neighborhood engagement; drafting press releases, media advisories, and mayoral talking points; preparing copies for local news outlets; facilitating written correspondence including proclamations, certificates, official greetings, and other letters; facilitating data entry; planning, attending, and executing special events; organizing GIS data; attending board, council, or commission meetings; working with various internal and external offices and stakeholders; representing the Mayor’s Office at special events, fairs, and festivals.

Qualifications

Undergraduate students with a minimum of one year of college education and graduate students can apply for the Mayor’s Office Internship Program. This internship is limited to six (6) students per semester. Parking or an IndyGo bus pass will be provided, as needed.

Candidates will have to successfully complete a background check prior to acceptance. Students seeking academic credit for full-time or part-time participation in the program should coordinate with their respective college or university to comply with their specific procedures and requirements.

Interns are expected to work 20 hours per week. Students who cannot commit to 20 hours per week are encouraged to apply during a semester where their schedule allows time for this commitment. Interns must attend one mandatory orientation session on a to be determined date.

How to Apply:

Internship opportunities are posted through the City’s Human Resources website, NeoGov.

Applicants must create an account and submit all mandatory application materials when applying—incomplete applications and applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

The following documents (PDF files strongly preferred) must be submitted for your application to be considered complete:

• Current Resume (PDF)

One Letter of Recommendation – This should come from an individual who can speak to your academic or work/volunteer experience. The recommendation should not come from family or friends.

Recommenders should email their letter directly to Interim Internship Program Coordinator, Jacob Talty at jacob.talty@indy.gov with the subject line: Last Name, First Name Internship Program Recommendation.

• Cover Letter (PDF) that helps us get to know you and your communication strength. Some prompts you might address include:

• Why do you want to participate in the Mayor’s Office Internship Program?
• Describe your long-term goals.
• What skills or qualities of yours will help you be a successful intern?
• Which programs, initiatives, offices, subject matters, policies, or priorities under the purview of the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office interest you most and why?

Some City departments hire interns independently from the Mayor's Office Internship Program.

Students interested in internship opportunities with the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Metropolitan Development, the Office of Audit and Performance, the Office of Finance and Management, the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, the Department of Public Works, the Office of Corporation Counsel, or the Office of Sustainability should consult those departments directly.

For questions related to applications, academic credit requirements, or for any general inquiries about the Mayor’s Office Internship Program, please contact Jacob Talty at jacob.talty@indy.gov.

If your qualifications meet the requirements of the posted position, your application will be referred to the hiring agency.

Once the agency receives your application, all further communication during the interview and selection process will be handled directly BY THE AGENCY.

It is IMPERATIVE that you record the contact information of the individual who is scheduling your interview.

City-County HR will not have access to this information, is not involved in the interview or selection process, and can only confirm whether an application has been referred.

After selection of the successful candidate, an official offer of employment will be made by HR.