Public Programs Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $0.00 Annually
Location : 2223 E. Wellington Ave. Suite #100 Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Unpaid Intern
Job Number: 00000V-0726-(O)
Department: Orange County Employees Retirement System
Opening Date: 07/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
CAREER DESCRIPTION
COMMUNICATIONS INTERN (UNPAID INTERN)
This recruitment aims to create an eligible list and will remain open until the position is filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is currently seeking an enthusiastic Unpaid Intern for the Communications Department. This is a temporary, unpaid opportunity to support various projects and initiatives across the organization. Please note that this intern position does not lead to permanent employment and does not include employee benefits.
WHO ARE WE
Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability, and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 55,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $30 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here.
Mission
OCERS' mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.
Vision
OCERS' vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.
Values

• Open and Transparent
• Commitment to Superior Service
• Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
• Reliable and Accurate
• Secure and Sustainable

Communications Unpaid Intern Opportunity Overview
Under the supervision of the Director of Communications, the Unpaid Intern will perform a variety of detail-oriented tasks related to implementing communication and public information strategies in support of the Communications department within the capacity of an OCERS intern. Intern hours will range from 15 - 20 hours per week for three or more months. Hours can be scheduled in 4 to 9-hour blocks of time during Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 8 AM - 5 PM. To enhance the internship experience and engagement with the agency, Wednesday availability is strongly preferred. Applicants able to schedule the maximum hours/duration listed for the internship typically gain more in-depth experience.
Example of Duties

• Contribute to the development and execution of social media strategies, including creating content calendars, collaborating with team members, and producing/curating visually compelling, engaging content that resonates with target audiences and supports the agency's strategic objectives.
• Assist in capturing photos and video footage of on-site (and/or off-site) activities and agency events for use across social media, digital advertising, print, and other communication platforms. Support the Communications team in managing the agency's digital archiving system and photo library.
• Support the production of agency videos by participating in concept development, scriptwriting, production scheduling and coordination, talent recruitment, and scheduling, and ensuring final approval aligns with the agency's brand and quality standards.
• Conduct research and analyze data on social media trends and emerging marketing practices to ensure content remains relevant and effective with target audiences.
• Collaborate on the creation of press releases, news stories, website content, media relations, and proofreading/editing of agency publications as needed.
• Assist with the planning, coordination, scheduling, execution, and promotion of public relations events for the District and the community.
• Foster positive and effective working relationships with agency staff, local organizations, vendors, and the general public.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Commit to a minimum of 15 hours per week for 3 or more months. Flexible schedules are available; however, hours must be scheduled during Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Complete an online application and successfully pass an interview.
• Successfully pass a Live Scan screening.
• Must have a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a desire to support the operations and functions of OCERS.

Benefits Available to Intern
Although this is an unpaid internship that does not lead to paid employment or includes employee benefits, students and recent graduates are offered an excellent opportunity to gain extensive experience in managing public relations, marketing, and social media campaigns within a local government agency.
Interns will complete the program with tangible communication materials to showcase in their resumes and portfolios.
HOW TO APPLY

• Only online applications with a submitted resume and cover letter will be accepted. Your application should highlight all of the areas in which you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific qualifications listed above.
• It is recommended that you record or print your confirmation page, as this verifies receipt of your online application.
• You may apply online at the OCERS website:
• For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Alyna Conley at (714) 569-4851 or email
• Do not submit a resume to this email address as they will not be considered in lieu of the required application process.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account. NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocers.org." If your email address should change, please update your profile at
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
EEO INFORMATION
OCERS, as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
This position does not offer any benefits.
If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter for this position. The recruiter should be listed on the Job Posting.
01
Thank you for your interest in the OCERS Unpaid Internship Program. Your completed response to these supplemental questions will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Responses should be thorough and specific, yet concise and succinct. A lack of adequate detail in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this recruitment. Supplemental questions are designed to help you present your qualifications for an unpaid volunteer opportunity and will be reviewed based on the information you supply. By selecting yes below, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the application requirement.

• Yes
• No

02
I understand this is an unpaid opportunity that does not lead to permanent employment or include employee benefits.

• Yes
• No

03
All applicants will need to submit a resume and cover letter. By selecting "Yes" I understand the instructions and have attached the required documents to my application.

• Yes
• No

04
Please list your availability. In your response, please include each day and the total daily hours you are available to intern.
05
Are you at least 18 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

Required Question