Communications and Community Relations Intern

Platte River Power Authority is a not-for-profit, community-owned public power utility that generates and delivers safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, Colorado, for delivery to their utility customers. At Platte River, we share a sense of purpose and pride in the value we add to our communities, our region and the energy industry. We rely on our staff to sustain our leadership role in the region and to help us work toward our goal to achieve a 100% noncarbon energy mix within the next decade. To accomplish this, we offer competitive pay and benefits, state-of-the-art workplaces at both headquarters and the Rawhide Energy Station, and the following unique benefits: Onsite, fully-equipped gym facilities Fleet cars for use by staff for local business travel Employee rewards, health and financial wellness programs Volunteer days and opportunities to participate in community events Culture of respect, commitment and camaraderie If you’re searching for a collaborative working environment within a mid-sized organization that values innovative ideas, diverse perspectives and provides opportunities to make a difference, consider joining the Platte River team. 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 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Platte River endeavors to make our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please call us at 970-229-5323 or email recruiting@prpa.org. Must be legally eligible to work in the United States. Platte River cannot provide employment to applicants who will require sponsorship now or in the future (i.e. H1B visa, OPT status). Recruitment notice: Platte River Power Authority does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies or fee-based placement services. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations to staff are accepted without a valid agreement. Any unsolicited resume submitted to staff will be considered property of Platte River Power Authority and with no obligation to pay any referral fees.