Communications Intern

What You'll Do:

Team OBM Communications is seeking a motivated upper-class undergraduate or graduate student to join our dynamic team as a Communications Intern. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in government communications, marketing, and public outreach while supporting key statewide initiatives.

As a Communications Intern, you will work closely with OBM Communications staff on projects that make a real impact across Ohio. Your responsibilities will include:

• Graphic Design & Layout: Create infographics and visual content for monthly reports and performance-based data points.
• Social Media & Content Editing: Assist in crafting and editing content for digital platforms.
• Web Development Support: Help maintain and update web content for OBM initiatives.
• Research & Outreach:

o Conduct research on regional/local governments to highlight 2026–27 Operating Budget priorities.

o Support outreach efforts to local news media outlets (outside major Ohio cities).

• Capital Budget Support: Contribute to communications for the upcoming Capital Budget cycle.
• Collaboration: Partner directly with OBM Communications team members on strategic projects.

Interns will work between 16-24 hours per week in our downtown Columbus office. If selected, the primary workdays will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and/or Thursdays; we can work with your schedule.

Why Work for the State of Ohio

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)

• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

• Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

What We're Looking For:

• Currently enrolled as an upper-class undergraduate (junior/senior) or graduate student in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Graphic Design, or a related field.
• Strong skills in infographic design, social media management, content editing, and familiarity with web development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Interest in public service and government operations is a plus.

Supplemental Information

Additional Information:

• When completing your application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this job posting.
• If you require reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email the Human Resources contact on this posting so arrangements can be made.
• The Director of OBM, or their designee, will interview all final candidates for this position.
• The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug-Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.