Elections & Special Projects Intern
The City of Takoma Park seeks an intern to assist with preparation and execution of the 2022 City Election, and to support special projects in the City Clerk’s Office. Takoma Park is preparing for a vote by mail election for mayor and city council to coincide with the November 8, 2022 Gubernatorial Election. In addition to vote by mail, the City will operate at least one voting center on election day.
Takoma Park is a progressive, multicultural community that allows 16 and 17-year old residents, and residents who are not citizens of the United States, to vote in the biennial elections for mayor and city council. Elections are conducted using ranked choice voting.
Internships with the City of Takoma Park are commonly for current or recently graduated undergraduate or graduate college students. The election intern is expected to work 30-40 hours/week, for approximately 4 months. Some work will be outside of normal business hours, including some weekend and evening hours.
Typical Duties include:
- Assisting with preparation for the next City Election, which may include preparing promotional materials and informational signage, conducting research, compiling election procedures, maintaining and updating the City voter list, and conducting voter outreach;
- Updating election information on the City website;
- Responding to voter inquiries;
- Attending meetings of the City Board of Elections;
- Supporting other special projects;
- Assisting with routine office functions; and,
- Performing other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required to be successful are:
- Strong computer skills;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Strong organizational skills;
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to work with minimal supervision.
Minimum requirements include:
- Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the Junior or Senior level coursework associated with a baccalaureate degree in a relevant field; or,
- Any combination of education, training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job;
Preferred candidates may possess the following:
- Foreign language skills (specifically Spanish, French, or Amharic);
- Valid Drivers License
The hourly wage for this position is expected to be between $17.00 and $19.00 per hour and will be offered at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate.
In addition to a resume that includes prior work experience and/or education, please provide a cover letter that includes an explanation of why you are interested in the position, as well as a writing sample (maximum of two pages), and a maximum of two
additional work samples which may include reports, graphics, posters, articles, web pages, etc.
Please note that COVID vaccinations are now mandatory for all City staff, and will be confirmed with other pre-employment screenings once an offer has been extended.
The City of Takoma Park is a small jurisdiction in Montgomery County, Maryland bordering the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County. Inhabited by a diverse and politically active population of 17,000 residents, Takoma Park is known for its progressive policies, historic tree-lined neighborhoods, independent businesses, and a rich arts community. We are proud to be a workforce of almost 200 full-time and part-time employees that are as diverse as the community we serve. We strive to maintain excellent customer service and responsiveness to our residents and everyone we work with. It is with this in mind that we seek to improve by championing quality and efficiency through a dedicated workforce and cooperative spirit.
The City of Takoma Park is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the residents we serve and the area in which we live. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where employees of diverse backgrounds can thrive and make a positive impact in the services we provide.
