Community Outreach Specialist Internships
Community outreach specialist internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience in community engagement and program coordination, mentorship from working outreach professionals, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings cover {{top_industries_phrase}}, with Lyte Fiber, WETA, and Sweetser among the employers posting roles now.
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Are you looking to join an award-winning organization with a culture built on innovation and public service? The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Dallas-Fort Worth region, which is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States is seeking an intern to provide support for its business engagement program and contribute to communications and outreach efforts for transportation projects and programs.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization prepares plans and programs to enable federal transportation funding to flow into the region, provides data to decisionmakers, and serves as a forum for coordination. It is staffed by the Transportation Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and receives policy direction from the Regional Transportation Council. NCTCOG is recognized as a military-friendly employer and values the knowledge, experience, and skills acquired during your military service career. All qualified veterans are invited to apply.
Applicants wishing to be considered for this position should apply online at https://www.nctcog.org/Careers. All submittals should include a cover letter summarizing career objectives as well as a current resume.
Ideal candidates should attend school in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and be able to work at least 25 hours per week.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Drafting business engagement goals, strategies and tactics for supervisor review
- Drafting website and social media content for the department’s business engagement webpage and LinkedIn account for supervisor review
- Working with supervisor to implement marketing and public relations strategies for educational campaigns whose main target audiences are members of the Dallas-Fort Worth business community
- Assisting with database maintenance for a variety of projects and programs, including the department’s online engagement platform, PublicInput.com
- Working with supervisor to evaluate communications and outreach strategies through data tracking and analysis
- Participating in business outreach efforts, including site visits and stakeholder meetings
- Representing the Transportation Department at public meetings and community events
Required Skills
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher and Outlook
- Good communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
- Ability to listen, follow instructions, coordinate with team members and present ideas
- Detail oriented, highly organized and creative with an ability to manage multiple assignments/tasks and work well in a deadline-driven environment without diminishing the quality of work
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Required Education and Experience
- Must be attending an accredited college or university in a degree seeking program during employment
- No work experience required
Starting Salary
Minimum of $17.54 per hour
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is a voluntary association of, by and for local governments, and was established to assist in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication and make joint decisions. Since 1974, NCTCOG has served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for transportation in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area and is responsible for developing transportation plans and programs that address the complex needs of the rapidly growing area. The planning area for transportation includes the 12 counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise.
The agency offers generous benefits, a friendly atmosphere with challenging opportunities and encourages individual and team growth, responsibility and innovation.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
NCTCOG is an equal opportunity employer/program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other classifications covered under federal, state, or local laws. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Background Check & Drug Testing:
All selected candidates must undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Background checks include national criminal background check, employment history, motor vehicle record check, social security verification, education verification, and other elements as needed. NCTCOG is committed to a safe and drug free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping NCTCOG safe and drug free. In order to receive an offer of employment from NCTCOG, selected candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background check and drug screening.
E-Verify:
The North Central Texas Council of Governments participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.
Statement Concerning Employment in a Job Not Covered by Social Security:
- NCTCOG participates in a defined contribution plan as an alternative to Social Security. NCTCOG offers mandatory and elective retirement plans that have been developed specifically for public-sector retirement plan participants.
- Be advised if you are hired by NCTCOG, your earnings from this job are not covered under Social Security (i.e., you will not pay Social Security taxes). This means that you will not earn credits for Social Security retirement or disability benefits in this job. If you retire or become disabled, and you are eligible for a Social Security benefit based on other work, your earnings from this job will not be used to compute your Social Security benefit. Your earnings from this job are subject to Medicare taxes and will count for purposes of the Medicare program. For more information on how you may qualify for Social Security benefits, visit www.ssa.gov.
Job postings are kept open for a minimum of 10 calendar days and may close anytime thereafter at the discretion of the hiring manager.
Are you looking to join an award-winning organization with a culture built on innovation and public service? The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Dallas-Fort Worth region, which is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States is seeking an intern to provide support for its business engagement program and contribute to communications and outreach efforts for transportation projects and programs.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization prepares plans and programs to enable federal transportation funding to flow into the region, provides data to decisionmakers, and serves as a forum for coordination. It is staffed by the Transportation Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and receives policy direction from the Regional Transportation Council. NCTCOG is recognized as a military-friendly employer and values the knowledge, experience, and skills acquired during your military service career. All qualified veterans are invited to apply.
Applicants wishing to be considered for this position should apply online at https://www.nctcog.org/Careers. All submittals should include a cover letter summarizing career objectives as well as a current resume.
Ideal candidates should attend school in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and be able to work at least 25 hours per week.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Drafting business engagement goals, strategies and tactics for supervisor review
- Drafting website and social media content for the department’s business engagement webpage and LinkedIn account for supervisor review
- Working with supervisor to implement marketing and public relations strategies for educational campaigns whose main target audiences are members of the Dallas-Fort Worth business community
- Assisting with database maintenance for a variety of projects and programs, including the department’s online engagement platform, PublicInput.com
- Working with supervisor to evaluate communications and outreach strategies through data tracking and analysis
- Participating in business outreach efforts, including site visits and stakeholder meetings
- Representing the Transportation Department at public meetings and community events
Required Skills
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher and Outlook
- Good communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
- Ability to listen, follow instructions, coordinate with team members and present ideas
- Detail oriented, highly organized and creative with an ability to manage multiple assignments/tasks and work well in a deadline-driven environment without diminishing the quality of work
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Required Education and Experience
- Must be attending an accredited college or university in a degree seeking program during employment
- No work experience required
Starting Salary
Minimum of $17.54 per hour
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is a voluntary association of, by and for local governments, and was established to assist in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication and make joint decisions. Since 1974, NCTCOG has served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for transportation in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area and is responsible for developing transportation plans and programs that address the complex needs of the rapidly growing area. The planning area for transportation includes the 12 counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise.
The agency offers generous benefits, a friendly atmosphere with challenging opportunities and encourages individual and team growth, responsibility and innovation.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
NCTCOG is an equal opportunity employer/program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other classifications covered under federal, state, or local laws. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Background Check & Drug Testing:
All selected candidates must undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Background checks include national criminal background check, employment history, motor vehicle record check, social security verification, education verification, and other elements as needed. NCTCOG is committed to a safe and drug free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping NCTCOG safe and drug free. In order to receive an offer of employment from NCTCOG, selected candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background check and drug screening.
E-Verify:
The North Central Texas Council of Governments participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.
Statement Concerning Employment in a Job Not Covered by Social Security:
- NCTCOG participates in a defined contribution plan as an alternative to Social Security. NCTCOG offers mandatory and elective retirement plans that have been developed specifically for public-sector retirement plan participants.
- Be advised if you are hired by NCTCOG, your earnings from this job are not covered under Social Security (i.e., you will not pay Social Security taxes). This means that you will not earn credits for Social Security retirement or disability benefits in this job. If you retire or become disabled, and you are eligible for a Social Security benefit based on other work, your earnings from this job will not be used to compute your Social Security benefit. Your earnings from this job are subject to Medicare taxes and will count for purposes of the Medicare program. For more information on how you may qualify for Social Security benefits, visit www.ssa.gov.
Job postings are kept open for a minimum of 10 calendar days and may close anytime thereafter at the discretion of the hiring manager.
Community Outreach Specialist Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Community Outreach Specialist Internship Search
Apply earlier than the role feels urgent
Large employers, including major nonprofits, government agencies, and healthcare systems, recruit summer interns the preceding fall. Smaller organizations and co-op programs post closer to their start dates. Check for openings in August and September for summer positions rather than waiting until the new year.
Build a portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams for community outreach specialist interns expect limited work history, so give them something concrete to assess. Documented community needs assessments, volunteer program plans, event coordination write-ups, or published social media campaigns show outreach instincts better than a blank experience section ever could.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to organizations running smaller cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach and doubles your chances of landing an interview.
Practice the community outreach intern interview format out loud
Community outreach specialist intern screens often involve situational or behavioral questions, brief writing or communication exercises, and scenario-based problem solving around stakeholder engagement or program design. Practice answering out loud and explaining your reasoning, because interviewers weigh how you approach a community challenge as much as the final answer you land on.
Target structured cohort programs at larger organizations
Many government agencies, large nonprofits, and healthcare systems run formal cohort or rotational internship programs designed to train people new to community outreach work. These programs offer structured mentorship and project exposure but recruit early and fill fast, so identify the ones that fit your interests and apply in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 0% of the community outreach specialist internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you start sorting through openings, then filter by location and work type on Migrate Mate so you are reviewing only roles you can actually take.
Community Outreach Specialist Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a community outreach specialist internship?
Lead with coursework and projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. The concrete artifact that gives recruiters something to assess is a portfolio of outreach campaigns, event coordination write-ups, or community needs assessments you have completed. Pair direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a community outreach specialist internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. For community outreach specialist interns, what drives it most is visible performance on real projects, available headcount on the team, and return-offer timing aligned with your graduation date. Treat the internship as an audition, contribute meaningfully, and stay connected with your manager without counting on a specific outcome.
When should I apply for community outreach specialist internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers, including nonprofits, government agencies, and healthcare systems, often recruit summer interns the preceding fall. Smaller organizations and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking regularly and applying as soon as a role fits your background gives you the strongest position.
Are community outreach specialist internships paid?
Most professional community outreach specialist internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location. Some nonprofit or government placements are unpaid or stipend-based, so read each listing carefully. Where the employer discloses pay, the listing will show it, letting you compare across opportunities before you apply.
What should a community outreach specialist internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three documented projects that show community engagement skills, naming the tools you used, such as survey platforms, social media scheduling tools, or volunteer management software, and link to any published reports, event recaps, or case studies where the work is visible. Add relevant coursework and keep the resume to one page.
Are there remote community outreach specialist internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 100% of the community outreach specialist internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they attract applicants from across the country, so apply early and filter by work type to see those openings before they close.
Can international students get community outreach specialist internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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