FALL 2025 COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS INTERNSHIP – BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION

Note: This is an early call for applications. Formal posting/onboarding through the City of Boston HR system will begin after September 1, 2025, but we are identifying candidates now so we can be ready for an immediate start (ideal start date is on or before September 8, 2025).

Overview

The City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department is looking for a Communications and Events Intern to support the External Affairs Division in advancing constituent engagement through communications, coordination, and event logistics for a wide range of public-facing programs.
This position reports to the Director of External Affairs and provides junior-level support and learning opportunities and is ideal for someone interested in public service, civic communications, storytelling, and community programming.
This is a hybrid position based out of 1010 Massachusetts Ave, Roxbury. Applicants must be Boston residents and available to work up to 15 hours per week from September to December 2025.

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Required Qualifications

Strong writing and editing skills for newsletters, press content, and social media
Attention to detail and organizational ability in fast-paced, event-driven environments
Comfort using Google Workspace and social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, Bluesky, Hootsuite)
Demonstrated interest in civic engagement, public parks, open space, or municipal services
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with internal and external stakeholders
Boston residency

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with photography, graphics production, short-form video (e.g., Instagram Stories/Reels)
Experience using website content management systems or email marketing tools
Knowledge of City of Boston neighborhoods, communities, networks, and public affairs contexts

What You’ll Do

Update press releases, media advisories, event descriptions, and other documents for yearly recurring programs
Support event logistics for ribbon cuttings, mayoral announcements, and community programs (e.g. posting event and program flyers, placing signage, packing day-of materials)
Format and update a daily internal press roundup for the department and City Hall stakeholders
Source ideas and content for email newsletters, social media, and Parks’ website
Perform basic operational work for reports, slide decks, graphics projects, and digital asset libraries, assisting full time staff
Complete clerical tasks such as updating databases, event calendars, and contact lists
Assist with tracking and responding to basic media inquiries under the direction of full-time staff
Support coordination and follow-up with partner organizations and vendors for Parks-led events and announcements
Help monitor the department’s general inbox and social media accounts for press or public-facing communications
Contribute to ensuring communications are inclusive and accessible to Boston’s diverse communities

Learning Outcomes and Professional Takeaways

Gain hands-on experience in public sector communications and event coordination
Develop skills in press writing, constituent messaging, and visual storytelling
Learn how to operate within a large municipal agency and support cross-departmental collaboration
Understand how communications advance community equity and access to public resources
Leave with a portfolio of communications work tied to real-world civic impact

Who We Are

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department manages nearly 300 properties across 2,200 acres—including iconic spaces like Franklin Park, the Boston Common, the Boston Public Garden, and the Emerald Necklace—and offers year-round public programming, cultural events, and recreation. In addition to maintaining street trees, urban wilds, and two public golf courses, the department organizes tournaments, concerts, festivals, fitness classes, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and community celebrations that engage more than 75,000 residents and visitors annually.
The External Affairs team is small, fast-paced, collaborative, and committed to advancing equity and visibility for Boston’s parks system. You will work closely with a cross-functional 8-person team of communications, marketing, program management, graphic design, fundraising, and community engagement staff. This is a hybrid role with on-site expectations for events and some in-office time each week.