The Social Media & Digital Communications Graduate Intern provides advanced-level support to the organization’s digital engagement and communications strategy. This internship is designed for a master’s-level student seeking meaningful exposure to healthcare communications, social media strategy, and data-driven storytelling within a large, integrated healthcare system.

 

Working in partnership with a designated preceptor and in collaboration with senior leadership, the intern will contribute to the planning, development, and execution of digital content strategies that support organizational priorities and enhance community engagement. Through hands-on project work, the intern will apply analytical, technical, and strategic communication skills while gaining insight into healthcare operations, patient experience, and executive communications.

 

This role offers the opportunity to develop advanced competencies in strategic thinking, data interpretation, project management, and leadership communication.

 

This is a temporary, part-time paid internship (approximately 5 hours per week for three months). This position does not provide direct patient care.

 

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

 

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Participates in and helps lead the planning, development, and execution of social media and digital content initiatives in collaboration with a preceptor and senior leadership.
• Develops and produces high-quality, strategic content (e.g., short-form video, photography, written narratives) that highlights organizational priorities, people, and patient-centered stories.
• Monitors, analyzes, and interprets social media performance metrics, audience insights, and industry trends to inform and refine content strategy.
• Conducts benchmarking and research on healthcare communications trends and peer institutions to identify opportunities for innovation and strategic growth.
• Performs in-depth analysis of engagement, reach, and campaign effectiveness using analytics tools; translates findings into actionable, data-driven recommendations.
• Develops executive-level presentations, reports, and visual summaries to communicate insights, progress, and strategic recommendations.
• Presents findings and content strategies to leadership in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.

• Maintains awareness of emerging trends in social media, digital storytelling, and healthcare communications to enhance organizational impact.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, communications, operations) to ensure alignment with organizational messaging, brand standards, and strategic priorities.
• Supports executive communications and digital engagement initiatives as assigned.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and apply analytical skills to real-world communication challenges.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to various audiences.
• Ability to synthesize data and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively across teams and organizational levels.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and project timelines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar tools; familiarity with social media analytics and content creation tools preferred.
• Interest in healthcare, digital communications, or organizational strategy.

Required

• Current enrollment in a Master’s degree program in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Communications, Journalism, Information Technology, or a related field at the time of application or during the internship.

 

Preferred

• Prior experience in social media strategy, digital communications, analytics, or content creation (academic or professional).
• Experience developing presentations or reports for leadership audiences.
• Familiarity with healthcare environment, communications strategy, or digital marketing concepts.

 

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

 

This is a sedentary position in an office setting that may exert up to 10 pounds and may lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. This position involves sitting most of the time and is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Carrying, Climbing, Color Determination, Crawling, Far Vision, Lifting, Listening, Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Pulling and/or Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Stooping and Crouching, Walking