Communications and Community Relations Intern

Connect to a career at City Utilities! CU has been connecting our community to the services they need for every day life since 1945. From electricity to power our lives, clean water to be healthy, natural gas to stay warm, internet to keep businesses connected, to transit services to get them where they need to go. This position requires an employee to work between 20-25 hours per week during the school semesters, and 40 hours per week during summer, not to exceed 1,500 hours in a calendar year. Each semester, undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and graduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours. INTERN GUIDELINES: Students who have completed at least one year of college and are enrolled as a full-time student may apply. Must be enrolled full-time in a degree seeking program. A student’s intern position will end within three months after graduation. Pay Details: $15.00 -$19.00/ hour Pay dependent upon student classification. Work Schedule: Between the hours of 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday to Friday, 20-25 hours per week. Job Description: PURPOSE OF POSITION: Under the direction of the Communications and Community Relations Specialist or designee, supports key functions of the Communications and Community Relations department, with a strong emphasis on community relations, public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and fostering positive relationships between CU and the community. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Assists with community relations initiatives and outreach efforts that strengthen relationships between CU and the community. 2. Supports the planning and coordination of Utility-sponsored events, educational programs, and outreach activities. 3. Assists with volunteer scheduling and event logistics for internal and external activities. 4. Develops presentations, informational materials, and other communications that support public outreach efforts. 5. Assists with audio/visual setup and coordination for presentations, events, and programs. 6. Provides administrative and organizational support for department activities and initiatives as needed. 7. Performs other related duties as required or assigned by management. QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience: Minimum of one year college or university working towards a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Services, or a related field is required. Six months of experience supporting community engagement, public outreach, volunteer coordination, event planning, or communications activities is preferred. Licensing/Certification: Must have a valid driver’s license (minimum Class F). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Working knowledge of office procedures, practices, and standard office equipment. Proficient in navigating Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with social media platforms, web development, and Adobe Creative Suite. Strong creative thinking, organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills while effectively managing multiple assignments and priorities. Exceptional oral communication and interpersonal skills to convey information in a clear, concise manner. Ability to: Write and edit clear, engaging, and grammatically correct content. Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion regarding utility and customer information. Work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Effectively utilize a range of digital tools and platforms, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, enterprise software, artificial intelligence-enhanced applications, and self-service systems. Must possess a willingness and capacity to learn and adapt to emerging technologies, including mobile devices, cloud-based systems, and data-driven platforms relevant to utility operations. Maintain adherence to all company policies. Physical Requirements: Primarily performs sedentary work in an office environment; however, occasional standing, walking, and movement related to community outreach activities, presentations, and events may be required.. Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and receive detailed information through oral communication. Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, and close visual acuity to operate a computer is required. Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of light materials or event-related supplies may be necessary. Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Miscellaneous Requirements: New hires are informed of the requirements of the Internship upon hire, and incumbents must continue to meet the requirements each semester in order to continue employment. Interns who do not meet the requirements may be ineligible for the internship and their employment may be terminated. Must be able to work successfully with diverse groups of people. Employee must remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain the ability to respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner. May require occasional work hours outside the 8-5 timeframe, including weekends. TESTING Testing may be required. EEO City Utilities offers equal employment opportunities to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information or marital status. Learn more about CU and EEO. Here at CU, we pride ourselves on being a progressive, community-owned utility serving 320 square miles in southwest Missouri since 1945 with electricity, natural gas, water, broadband, and public transportation services. Our vision is to deliver world-class services and exceptional value to our customers. This can only be accomplished by hiring and retaining world-class talent who embody our core values of safety, integrity, customer service, inclusion, leadership, and respect. These guiding principals support our vision and shape our culture and are used every day in everything we do while serving our community. Not finding the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Get Started below or create an account by clicking 'Sign In' at the top of the page to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!