Intern, Social Media – Portland International Airport (PDX)

This is a hands-on, creative internship where you’ll help tell the story of one of the most visible public organizations in the region – from what’s happening inside PDX to the broader work of the Port. You’ll spend most of your time creating social content people actually see and engage with, while also getting a behind-the-scenes look at how strategic communications and storytelling come together at scale.
You’ll work closely with a collaborative, supportive team, contribute to real campaigns and projects (not just side work), and build skills across social media, content creation, writing, research, and project organization. If you’re excited by storytelling, public impact, and being part of a team that values creativity, curiosity, and learning, this role offers meaningful experience and a front-row seat to how communications work in the real world.
About us: The Port of Portland is where land, air, and water meet to keep the Pacific Northwest thriving. From running PDX (the airport everyone vibes with) to managing marine terminals and industrial parks, we’re all about connecting people, goods, and ideas. We’re committed to sustainability, community, and making sure Portland stays weird in the best way possible. Whether it’s supporting local businesses or protecting the environment, the Port is here to keep things moving while staying true to the PNW spirit.
To be considered for this intern position you must be a current student enrolled in an Oregon/Washington school for the duration of employment. Spring 2026 graduates will not be eligible for this internship unless documentation of continued educational classes (graduate school documentation related to the field) can be provided at the time of Application.
Duration: Expected sunset date on or around May 31, 2027..
Compensation is determined by school year and experience.

• Visual Content Production </undefined>
  • Capture video and photography to showcase Port of Portland operations, PDX’s unique character, and special initiatives. </undefined>
  • Edit content to produce compelling digital stories for internal and external channels, including the Port of Portland and PDX social media channels. </undefined>
• Graphic Design & Visual Support </undefined>
  • Create graphics and visual elements for social media, digital and internal communications using tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite. </undefined>
• Research & Trend Analysis </undefined>
  • Conduct research on emerging social media trends, communication best practices, and innovative tools that improve storytelling and content quality. </undefined>
  • Share insights with the team to support continuous improvement </undefined>
• Communications & Writing Support </undefined>
  • Assist with writing and editing for internal and external channels, including newsletters, website articles, blogs, social media posts, talking points, and event summaries. </undefined>
• Content Scheduling & Monitoring </undefined>
  • Support scheduling, posting, and monitoring content across platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and internal digital channels. </undefined>
  • Assist with basic media monitoring and note-taking during select meetings or events. </undefined>
• Special Projects & Events </undefined>
  • Contribute to partner collaborations, holiday campaigns, community events, and communications logistics such as event planning, documentation, and promotional coordination
    </undefined>

education and Experience

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Oregon/Washington college or university and seeking a degree in Social Media, Communications, Marketing, Brand Management, Public Relations, or related field.
• Coursework or experience in graphic design, videography, or photography is preferred.
• Student must also provide current unofficial transcript at time of application.
• Student must also provide up to 3 samples of work projects that demonstrate professional skills in either social media, videography, or graphic design.
• Maintenance of a minimum 2.5 grade point average and continued enrollment in classes pertinent to the internship is required.
• Must successfully pass and maintain clearance of a comprehensive Criminal History Records Check and a Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge, are required.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills:

• Demonstrate commitment to valuing differences among individuals and a passion for being inclusive.
• Focus on safety improvements and comply with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Show the utmost respect for others and act as a team player.
• Digital content tools (e.g., WordPress, content management systems).
• Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, Facebook).
• Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Basic understanding of content optimization and digital communication best practices.
• Ability to identify what is newsworthy and craft content appropriately.
• Familiarity with graphic design and layout principles.
• Strong writing skills for both short form and feature storytelling.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

SELECTION PROCESS (tentative schedule):

1. A minimum qualification evaluation of education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources the week of June 22, 2026.
2. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials including any responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
3. Our goal is to schedule oral panel interviews with candidates that successfully passed the SME evaluation step approximately the week of July 6, 2026. The successful candidate will be notified after interviews are complete, with a tentative start date in July 2026.

About us:

At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have – our three airports, three working marine terminals, six business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them – to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region. We know that every person we hire, business we work with, contract we sign and decision we make is a chance to make someone’s life better. And we’ll use our power and influence to unlock new opportunities and ensure more people share in our region’s success. With YOUR help – together with our partners, customers, and community – we’ll help drive meaningful change!

Do you have questions about this job?

Contact us: careers@portofportland.com

Safety: The Port promotes safety as a Core value and we seek to eliminate harm through a culture of active prevention, curiosity, evaluation, and action. We comply with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently look for improvements that support operational excellence.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination.

Veterans Preference: Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veteran’s preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Background Checks and Drug Testing: The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and/or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety-sensitive positions.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 503-415-6690 or email careers@portofportland.com.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal