Public Affairs Intern
John Wayne Airport
Please note the deadline for this recruitment is Monday, August 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PT).
The Airport
Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, John Wayne Airport (JWA) is the only commercial service airport in Orange County, California. Owned and operated by the County of Orange, it is located along the coast in one of the most premier regions in the country. JWA is a vital piece of the County’s transportation system, serving more than 11.7 million passengers annually. The airport offers nonstop flights to over 40 destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada via 11 commercial airlines and two air cargo providers.
In addition to its commercial operations, JWA serves as a major hub for general aviation, with nearly 500 private aircraft housed onsite. General aviation accounts for approximately 60% of the airport’s total operations and is supported by two full-service fixed-based operators (FBOs) and a limited-use facility. John Wayne Airport’s reputation for providing a superior guest experience, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship continues to make it a distinguished airport in the region and across the country.
-
Mission: Connecting People, Places and Opportunities.
-
Vision: To be an airport of choice by creating exceptional experiences.
-
Core Values: REACH
-
Respect
-
Environmental Stewardship
-
Accountability
-
Collaboration
-
Honesty
To learn more about working at John Wayne Airport, click here.
To learn more about the County of Orange, click here.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
The Public Affairs Division is comprised of four functional units: Access and Noise, Communications, Customer Relations, and Media Relations. The division is responsible for all aspects of government, communications, customer relations and media and public relations at JWA. Public Affairs staff is charged with responding to media and public inquiries; community engagement; connecting the public to information; resources and services; serving as front-line customer service agents; coordinating Ambassador and Tour Guide volunteer programs; planning and organizing museum-quality exhibitions; disbursing information via the Airport website; tracking local, state and federal legislation; enforcing the "Settlement Agreement"; educating the surrounding communities about access and noise issues and handling noise complaints.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This internship is an in-person internship and is assigned to the Public Affairs team at JWA. The Public Affairs Intern will gain hands-on experience in airport public relations, strategic communications, and community engagement while supporting the Public Affairs team at John Wayne Airport. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in developing and executing communications initiatives that enhance public awareness, promote airport programs and events, and engage the traveling public through digital and in-person outreach.
The intern will assist with creating content for social media platforms, including graphics, photography, videography, and written copy, while helping monitor engagement, analytics, and emerging trends to improve content performance. The intern will also support the planning and execution of airport events, such as ribbon-cuttings, community outreach activities, art installations, and press conferences by assisting with logistics, event promotion, guest engagement, and on-site support. Additional responsibilities include drafting communications materials, monitoring media coverage, organizing outreach resources, and providing administrative support for communications projects. Throughout the internship, the student will collaborate with experienced public affairs professionals and gain valuable experience in government communications, digital marketing, event management, media relations, and public service.
INTERN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Intern duties/responsibilities include, but are not limited to one or more of the following:
Primary Duties:
Social Media & Content Creation (50%)
-
Assist in content creation for JWA’s social media platforms, including graphics, photos, videos, and captions.
-
Support social media engagement, responding to comments and messages under supervision.
-
Help monitor analytics and trends to optimize content performance.
-
Assist with social media data analytics review, interpretation, and reports.
-
Capture event photography and videography for digital use.
-
Collaborate on social media strategy and brainstorm new campaign ideas.
Event Coordination & Support (25%)
-
Assist in preparing for Terminal events, ribbon-cuttings, art installations, and press conferences.
-
Support community outreach efforts, attending offsite events when necessary.
-
Help with on-site logistics, setup, and guest engagement for events.
-
Assist in developing digital content to promote events.
Secondary Duties:
Communications & Administrative Support (25%)
-
Assist in reviewing and organizing communications plans and social media messaging strategies.
-
Provide clerical support, including printing, filing, and assembling materials for outreach and events.
-
Support the team in media monitoring and reporting to track public perception and coverage.
-
Draft content for internal and external communications, such as emails, social media captions, and website updates.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and be pursuing a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Coursework or experience in social media management, content creation, photography, videography, writing, marketing, or event planning is preferred. Candidates should possess strong written and verbal communication skills, be detail-oriented, and demonstrate creativity, professionalism, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is preferred.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate is creative, organized, and eager to learn about public relations, digital communications, and community engagement. Applicants should possess strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Experience with Microsoft Office and familiarity with social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter) and YouTube is preferred. Basic knowledge of graphic design tools (e.g., Canva or Adobe Creative Suite), photography, videography, and video editing is desirable. Experience in data analytics and social media management tools such as Hootsuite or Sprout Social, etc. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to providing excellent public service. A valid California driver's license and the ability to attend occasional off-site events may be required.
TIME COMMITMENT
Immediate placement is available. Students can expect to intern for 15-20 hours per week for up to 12 months. Hours must be scheduled during normal business hours (Monday - Friday between 8:00AM and 5:00PM).
BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO THE INTERN
-
Gain hands-on experience in public relations, government communications, social media management, and community outreach within a dynamic public agency.
-
Build a professional portfolio by creating digital content, capturing event photography and videography, and contributing to communications campaigns.
-
Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced public affairs and communications professionals while developing industry-relevant skills.
-
Develop practical experience in event planning, media relations, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement through real-world projects.
-
Expand professional network by collaborating with airport staff, community partners, elected officials, media representatives, and industry professionals.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applicants must attach a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts to their application. The cover letter is an opportunity for students to describe career and academic goals, to elaborate upon personal and academic accomplishments, and to identify what type of internship experience they are seeking. Learn more about what to include in a cover letter here.
Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts will not be considered.
AIRPORT ACCESS REQUIREMENTS
The successful candidate must clear background check which includes a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Security Threat Assessment (STA).
Must be able to safely operate a County vehicle as required to perform job duties.
