Citizens Planning Institute Intern

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Department of Planning and Development works in collaboration with communities to promote, plan, preserve, and develop successful neighborhoods for all. Reaching these goals requires city agencies to work together with residents, businesses, developers, advocates, funders, and each other. Planning and Development has a team of agencies that do just that. Our agencies include:  

Philadelphia Art Commission  

Philadelphia City Planning Commission  

Division of Development Services  

Division of Housing and Community Development  

Philadelphia Historical Commission  

Zoning Board of Adjustment  

We also partner with the PHDC 

Position Summary 

The Department of Planning and Development’s Citizens Planning Institute Unit is searching for a Summer 2026 Intern. The intern’s duties may include, but may not be limited to the following:  

• Interview alumni and draft Citizen Planner in Action stories for the CPI website 

• Develop quarterly CPI newsletter and alumni newsletter  

• Assist with Neighborhood Tour program – (part of the Comprehensive Plan engagement) 

• Create promotional videos for the program and the CPI in a Box Resource 

• Assist with alumni group programming 

• Assist with Comprehensive Plan –Phila2050-- engagement tactics and data analysis 

The maximum number of hours allocated for this role is a maximum of 20 hours per week. Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application.  

Essential Functions 

The essential functions for this internship may include: 

• Interviewing Alumni 

• Drafting Citizen Planner Action stories 

• Developing CPI and Alumni Newsletters 

• Assistance with Neighborhood Tour program 

• Creation of promotional videos  

• Assistance with Alumni Group programming 

• Assistance with Engagement Tactics and Data Analytics  

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

The position would suit an enthusiastic detail-oriented student interested in community planning and citizen advocacy issues with good communication skills. Basic MS Office proficiency required. GIS (Geographic Information System) skills are preferred but not required.  

Education:  

Applicants should be enrolled in Graduate Level Program (preferred) in the fields of Regional or City Planning, Urban Studies, Social Work, or Preservation Planning  

Experience: 

Applicants should have experience in outreach and community engagement.  

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Hourly Rate: $16.82 

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx