Community Relations Intern - MN

Xcel Energy•Minneapolis, MN

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Relations Intern will support Xcel Energy's Minnesota Community Relations team by assisting with stakeholder engagement, relationship management, research, project coordination, and administrative support activities across the state. This position provides exposure to local government relations, community engagement, economic development, infrastructure project support, and utility operations. The intern will work directly with Community Relations Managers who serve municipalities, counties, townships, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, and community leaders throughout Minnesota. The intern will help maintain critical stakeholder databases, coordinate meetings and outreach efforts, support local government engagement activities, assist with research and special projects, and help ensure accurate records and reporting across Community Relations territories. The Minnesota Community Relations team consists of Community Relations Managers strategically located throughout the state, supporting approximately 500 communities and serving as the primary liaison between Xcel Energy and local governments, community organizations, and key stakeholders. The intern will collaborate with team members representing multiple geographic territories and may assist with statewide initiatives and special projects.

Requirements

Current student, Junior or higher
Enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Community Development, Economic Development, Urban & Regional Planning, Public Relations, Business Administration, Government Relations, Nonprofit Management, Journalism, Sociology, Marketing, General Business
This position will support Community Relations Managers located throughout Minnesota and may require travel to communities across the state.
The intern should be willing and able to travel to support Community Relations Managers across Minnesota's nine Community Relations territories and service locations.
Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week) and commuting to the designated work location in-person, per our hybrid work policy.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Minnesota.

Nice To Haves

Prior internship, volunteer, leadership, or work experience involving government, community engagement, public affairs, communications, customer service, or project coordination.
Experience with stakeholder databases, CRM systems, or contact management tools.
Knowledge of local government operations, public policy, utilities, economic development, or community planning.
Experience creating presentations, reports, and briefing materials.
Strong research and analytical skills.
Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with community leaders, elected officials, and external stakeholders.
Interest in energy, infrastructure, public service, community development, or government affairs.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Responsibilities

Assist with updating and maintaining city, county, township, tribal nation, school district, economic development, and community organization contact databases.
Support scheduling and coordination of meetings, community outreach events, facility tours, stakeholder briefings, and local government engagements.
Conduct research on municipalities, local government initiatives, economic development opportunities, legislative issues, and community trends impacting Company operations.
Assist Community Relations Managers with preparing briefing materials, presentations, meeting agendas, stakeholder profiles, and follow-up documentation.
Support the tracking and organization of permits, franchise agreements, community projects, community investment activities, and other territory-related initiatives.
Assist with special projects and administrative support activities that improve operational efficiency and consistency across the Minnesota Community Relations team.