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

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