Communications and Community Relations Intern

Job summary

The communications and community relations intern will support community engagement initiatives through the planning, coordination and execution of the NoCo Time Trials, a solar and battery model car competition for middle school students across Northern Colorado. This event promotes STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, introduces students to emerging energy technologies and encourages exploration of future careers in the energy industry.

The intern will lead planning efforts and event logistics for a large-scale community event that hosts approximately 400 guests and 20-25 staff members. In addition to event coordination responsibilities, the intern will support communications activities related to participant engagement, promotional efforts, stakeholder communications and event storytelling.

This position offers hands-on experience in event planning, community relations, communications, content development and project coordination while contributing to a meaningful educational initiative that supports Platte River's mission and community partnerships.

Schedule and environment

This internship is expected to begin in January 2026 and conclude in June 2026. This is a part-time internship of no more than 29 hours per week.

Work is performed primarily in an office environment and may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement within a commutable distance of Fort Collins. Occasional attendance at planning meetings, community events and event-related activities is required. Due to the nature of this internship, some physical activity may be required, including lifting and carrying light- to medium-weight materials as well as periods of walking and standing during event preparation and execution.

Essential duties and 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 efforts 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 activities.
• Project/event budget management
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Required

• 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

Preferred

• 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

Learning opportunities

Throughout the internship, the selected candidate will gain practical experience and professional development in:

• Event planning, coordination and execution
• Community relations and public outreach
• Project management and event logistics
• Stakeholder communication and relationship building
• Development of communications and promotional materials
• Community engagement and partnership development
• Meeting coordination and professional communication
• Marketing and promotion of educational events
• Vendor coordination and event support activities
• Storytelling and content development for community initiatives
• Exposure to STEM education programming and outreach efforts
• Introduction to the energy industry and noncarbon technologies

Internship qualifications

• 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
• One year of general work, volunteer, student organization or internship experience preferred

Pay

This is a temporary, part-time, non-exempt internship working up to 29 hours per week and is not benefits eligible. Wages are paid bi-weekly.

• Pay range: $20 to $25 per hour