Communications and Community Relations Intern

Platte River Power Authority • Fort Collins, CO

6d • $20 - $25 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications and Community Relations Intern supports community engagement initiatives by planning, coordinating and executing the NoCo Time Trials, a solar and battery model car competition for middle school students across Northern Colorado. The event promotes STEM education, introduces students to emerging energy technologies and encourages exploration of energy-industry careers. The intern leads planning and logistics for an event expected to host approximately 400 guests and 20–25 staff members, and supports communications related to participant engagement, promotion, stakeholder communication and event storytelling.

This temporary, part-time internship is expected to begin in January 2026 and conclude in June 2026, with a schedule of no more than 29 hours per week. Work is performed primarily in an office and may be eligible for a hybrid arrangement within commuting distance of Fort Collins. Occasional attendance at planning meetings, community events and event-related activities is required. Some physical activity may be required, including lifting and carrying light- to medium-weight materials and periods of walking and standing during event preparation and execution.

The internship provides hands-on experience in event planning, community relations, communications, content development and project coordination. It is non-exempt, pays $20 to $25 per hour, is paid bi-weekly and is not benefits eligible. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States; the employer cannot sponsor applicants who will require sponsorship now or in the future.

Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Excel, Word and Teams.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and ability to coordinate complex tasks and logistics.
• Completion of two or more communications, marketing, business, public relations or related courses at a college or university.
• Actively pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in communications, marketing, business, public relations, event management or a related discipline; recent graduates may also be considered.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States; sponsorship is not available for applicants who require it now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework or experience in communications, marketing, public relations, business, event management or a related field.
• Interest in STEM education, community engagement and the energy industry.
• Experience planning events, coordinating projects or working with community organizations.
• Experience using social media platforms in a professional, volunteer or student organization setting.
• Experience creating written, visual or digital communications content.
• One year of general work, volunteer, student organization or internship experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute the annual NoCo Time Trials event.
• Coordinate event logistics, including planning, scheduling, inventory management, supply procurement and vendor communication.
• Assist with communications and outreach related to event promotion and participant engagement.
• Support communication with students, educators, community partners and event participants.
• Support project timelines, meeting coordination and tracking of event-related activities.
• Support post-event evaluation, reporting and documentation.
• Manage the project/event budget.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern