Communications and Community Relations Intern

Job Summary Under the direction of the Communications and Community Relations Specialist or designee, interns support key functions of the Communications and Community Relations department with an emphasis on community relations, public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and fostering positive relationships between CU and the community. Internship 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 internship will end within three months after graduation. Students are required 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. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and graduate students in at least 6 credit hours per semester. Pay ranges from $15.00 to $19.00 per hour, depending on student classification. Work schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, 20–25 hours per week. Essential Job Functions Assist with community relations initiatives and outreach efforts that strengthen relationships between CU and the community. Support the planning and coordination of utility-sponsored events, educational programs, and outreach activities. Assist with volunteer scheduling and event logistics for internal and external activities. Develop presentations, informational materials, and other communications that support public outreach efforts. Assist with audio/visual setup and coordination for presentations, events, and programs. Provide administrative and organizational support for department activities and initiatives as needed. Perform other related duties as required or assigned by management. Qualifications Minimum of one year college or university coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Services, or a related field. Six months of experience supporting community engagement, public outreach, volunteer coordination, event planning, or communications activities is preferred. Valid driver’s license (minimum Class F). Proficient in 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. Exceptional oral communication and interpersonal skills. Writing and editing clear, engaging, grammatically correct content. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion regarding utility and customer information. Work independently, multi‑task in a fast‑paced environment, and effectively use digital tools and platforms. 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. Additional Requirements Sedentary office work primarily, with occasional standing, walking, and movement related to community outreach activities, presentations, and events. Must be able to express ideas verbally and receive detailed information through oral communication. Substantial movements of wrists, hands, or fingers, and close visual acuity to operate a computer are required. Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of light materials or event‑related supplies may be necessary. May require occasional work hours outside the 8‑5 timeframe, including weekends. Testing may be required. Working Conditions Normal office environment with occasional community outreach events. EEO Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr City Utilities of Springfield