Government Jobs is hiring: Community Relations Intern in Minneapolis

Community Relations Intern

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) Internship Program includes valuable leadership and professional development training, opportunities to build your network, exposure to MAC and the aviation industry, and high-quality work experiences that will help you grow your career.

The Community Relations Intern will contribute directly to the Metropolitan Airports Commission's mission of fostering positive, informed relationships between the MAC and the communities surrounding our airports. This position provides hands-on experience at the intersection of aviation operations, data analytics, and public engagement.

The intern will support the MAC's aircraft noise and community engagement programs by documenting and analyzing aircraft noise inquiries and complaints, evaluating aircraft operations and noise-monitoring data, and identifying key trends and insights. The selected candidate will assist in preparing reports, visualizations, and presentations that help inform staff, stakeholders, and elected officials about aviation activity and community impacts.

In addition to developing strong analytical capabilities, the Community Relations Intern will gain real-world experience in community engagement by helping respond to resident inquiries, communicating investigation results, and collaborating with staff on strategies to address community concerns. The role offers exposure to industry-standard tools, aviation noise policies, and the operational environment of a major airport system.

Some weekday evenings will be required to support community meetings, listening sessions, or public outreach events.

To apply: click the "Apply" link located just above the position description, log-in and follow the instructions provided. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Yolanda Burckhardt at yolanda.burckhardt@mspmac.org or 612-713-8713. Applications will be accepted until 3:00 PM on Monday, February 2, 2026. MAC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If an accommodation is required for you to participate in the application process due to a disability, please contact Tekia Jefferson at 612-726-8196 or Tekia.Jefferson@mspmac.org. MAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, nationality, or disability.

Job duties include:

• Support the MAC's noise and operations management system by documenting, tracking, and responding to emails, phone calls, website submissions, and written correspondence related to aircraft operations, aircraft noise, and other community-related topics.
• Conduct spatial and data analyses of aircraft operations and noise-monitoring information; prepare clear written summaries and verbal explanations that address community questions and concerns.
• Engage with community members to listen, educate, and provide context about aircraft noise, airport operations, and long-term planning efforts; effectively communicate the positive economic and community benefits of aviation and the unique roles of MAC's seven airports in the Twin Cities region.
• Assist in the development of website content, presentations, and other communication materials to convey technical information in an accurate, accessible, and user-friendly manner.
• Help plan, coordinate, and execute community outreach activities, events, and presentations that support the MAC's engagement goals and increase public understanding of airport operations and aviation noise management.

Minimum requirements include:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program OR be a recent graduate (within 12 months from posting date) in aviation, communications, environmental or urban planning, public affairs, public policy, political science, geography, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, identify patterns or trends, and present findings in a clear and organized manner.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with staff and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Availability to work some weekday evenings in support of community outreach activities.

Desirable requirements include:

• Experience responding to customer inquiries, community members, or the general public in a service-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools or basic analytical methods.
• Interest in aviation, transportation systems, or public-sector work.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), SQL, or other software used to analyze or present information.