Community Engagement Intern

NiSource Inc.; Chester (VA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource Inc. in Chester, VA hosts a 12-week summer internship through Columbia Gas of Virginia.

You will support community engagement, events, social media content, photo/video capture, and outreach strategy development across communications and public relations. Eligible applicants are rising juniors or seniors in relevant undergraduate programs with strong writing and organizational skills, a willingness to travel within the service territory, and the ability to work without sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Public relations, communications, social work or related undergraduate path with strong writing and organizational skills.
• Willing to travel throughout the Columbia Gas of Virginia service territory to attend and support events.
• Must be a rising junior or senior.
• A self-starter, able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of communications, public relations, planning, implementation and evaluation desirable.
• Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
• Intermediate skill level with Canva
• Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft programs (PowerPoint & Excel)
• Photography, videography or editing background

Responsibilities

• Assists with public relations projects and programs, including charitable giving campaigns and community volunteer events.
• Serves as brand ambassador at targeted community events to promote core company messages across the Columbia Gas of Virginia service territory.
• Travel throughout the Central Virginia area for community events
• Updates community stakeholder lists.
• Develops news content related to community events and engagement for internal communications intranet (MySource) and internet (nisource.com and columbiagasva.com) including photo and video.
• Supports social media activity.
• Research and identify opportunities to further engage in our communities and extend our outreach to customers across the Columbia Gas of Virginia service territory.
• Develop strategy to track Columbia Gas of Virginia's community engagement efforts and measure outreach.
• Work with Communications to develop strategy to share our community engagement efforts with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Strong writing

Organizational skills

Public relations

Social media content creation

Photography

Videography

Video editing

Self-starter

Travel willingness

Canva

Education

Public relations / communications / social work undergraduate program

Tools

Canva

Microsoft Teams

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Job Summary

Join Columbia Gas of Virginia for a summer internship where you'll help bring our community engagement efforts to life. From supporting community events and creating social media and digital content to capturing photos and videos and helping develop outreach strategies, you'll gain hands-on experience across communications, public relations, and community engagement. This is a 12-week summer internship program starting in May 2027, for students entering their junior or senior year in fall 2027. The role is based in Chester, Virginia. Candidates must reside within 50 miles of the reporting location to be eligible.

Essential Functions

• Assists with public relations projects and programs, including charitable giving campaigns and community volunteer events.
• Serves as brand ambassador at targeted community events to promote core company messages across the Columbia Gas of Virginia service territory. (ex. energy efficiency, safe digging, energy assistance, renewable energy educations, career opportunities etc.)
• Travel throughout the Central Virginia area for community events
• Updates community stakeholder lists.
• Develops news content related to community events and engagement for internal communications intranet (MySource) and internet (nisource.com and columbiagasva.com) including photo and video.
• Supports social media activity.
• Research and identify opportunities to further engage in our communities and extend our outreach to customers across the Columbia Gas of Virginia service territory.
• Develop strategy to track Columbia Gas of Virginia's community engagement efforts and measure outreach.
• Work with Communications to develop strategy to share our community engagement efforts with internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications For Position

• A public relations, communications, social work or related undergraduate path with strong writing and organizational skills.
• Willing to travel throughout the Columbia Gas of Virginia service territory to attend and support events.
• Must be a rising junior or senior.
• A self-starter, able manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of communications, public relations, planning, implementation and evaluation desirable.
• Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
• Intermediate skill level with Canva
• Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft programs (specifically PowerPoint & Excel)
• Photography, videography or editing background

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection

We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.

We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [e-mail] or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement

Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*

$17.40 - $29.30

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date

2026-09-24

Posting End Date (if applicable)

2026-10-07

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.