Intern

Position Title: Visit SLO CAL Marketing Intern

Company: Visit SLO CAL

Location: San Luis Obispo, CA

Functional Area: All departments, including Marketing, PR & communications, Community Engagement & Advocacy, Operations

Reports To: Marketing Operations Specialist

Employment Type: Part-time or full-time temporary employee, IN-PERSON ONLY

Education Required: Currently enrolled in college in San Luis Obispo County

Compensation: $17.40 per hour

Internship Dates: January 25th, 2027 - May 21st, 2027

Our Internship runs concurrently with the Cal Poly Semester system. This internship requires a semester long commitment.

Job Listing will be posted until 12/7/2026, or until positions are filled. We hire in waves based on when you apply. Because of this, you may not hear from us immediately upon applying.

Internship Begins: 1/25/2026 (if you are able to start sooner in January your application will be higher priority ranking)

To be eligible for this internship, you will need to be able to work a minimum of 20 hours a week during business hours (M-F, 8:30am - 5pm; *some flexibility allotted). We have up to 40 hours a week available for those who need full credit or have additional availability. Must be a college student in San Luis Obispo County to be eligible for this internship.

If you have more than a few days off scheduled during the internship dates, we ask that you apply for another semester. We require that you be available for the entire semester (exception for a few days off, but nothing longer than 5 days, aside from holidays).

Our office will be closed on the following holidays: 2/15 

This position states that driving on behalf of the company is a key function of the job on a regular basis. Applicants will need to have a valid driver license.

Organization Description

Visit SLO CAL (VSC) is the non-profit countywide destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) for San Luis Obispo County. Our mission is to “inspire travel and foster our unique experiences to create life-long ambassadors and economic growth for SLO CAL.” Our goal is to promote and improve San Luis Obispo County through marketing, advertising, communication, engagement, public relations, advocacy, group sales, promotions, events, and sponsorship, branding the region as a choice destination for regional, national, and international travelers alike. Visit SLO CAL works in partnership with tourism industry-related businesses including lodging properties, restaurants, wineries, breweries, activities, local community destination marketing organizations, and the state tourism organization, Visit California, to create a unified marketing approach that promotes the culinary, coastal, and cultural assets of the county. For more information, see our website: www.SLOCAL.com.

Position Description   

Visit SLO CAL is looking for motivated interns to assist an exceptional destination marketing and management team. Interns will be responsible for assisting the organization in the implementation of its marketing plan and overall business activities. This will include communications and research, among other operational duties. Qualified candidates possess strong creative skills and a substantial interest in marketing and/or tourism.

Core Responsibilities 

Operations/Events

1. Aid in maintaining office operations by checking mail, answering the phone and greeting visitors
2. Update and maintain the event calendar on slocal.com
3. Assist with running errands on behalf of the company throughout the county
4. Assist in marketing activations, event productions and trade show opportunities
5. Assist staff with implementation of new projects and facilitate additional responsibilities as requested

Research

1. Create and update digital partner profiles through research and outreach in coordination with permanent staff
2. Assist in auditing thematic trails and gathering county-wide information
3. Other research projects as requested

Communications & Marketing

1. Create, edit and review editorial and PR content
2. Capture and publish social media content
3. Update and pull reports from customer relationship management system (CRM)
4. Assist in managing company email inboxes

Required Qualifications/Skills 

1. Exceptional communication skills (oral and written)
2. Professionalism when engaging with partners & stakeholders
3. Problem solving skills and ability to propose and direct successful solutions
4. Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle for business assignments
5. Concurrently pursuing degree in marketing, tourism or related field

Desired Traits/Abilities 

1. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
2. Passion for Visit SLO CAL’s mission
3. Strong customer service skills
4. Understanding of marketing, in the classroom and/or outside of it
5. Ability to work independently
6. Professional, positive and confident attitude

Visit SLO CAL, an equal opportunity employer, has an organizational commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion. In that spirit, we welcome all qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex, ancestry, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, national origin, medical condition, U.S. veteran/military status, pregnancy, or reasonable accommodation.

Visit SLO CAL offers an exciting opportunity for qualified, career-motivated students, and the chance to work with talented people in a successful, fast-paced and exciting environment.