Community Relations Intern - MN

Northern States Power Co - MN; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

401(k)

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Xcel Energy is seeking a Community Relations Intern to support stakeholder engagement, relationship management, research, and project coordination across Minnesota. You will assist with databases, meetings, and reporting under the guidance of Community Relations Managers serving public entities and nonprofits.

The role offers exposure to local government, economic development, and utility operations, with a hybrid in-person work arrangement and opportunities to grow professionally.

Qualifications

• Current student enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Pursuing a degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Communications or related field.
• Willingness to travel across Minnesota and support multiple territories.

Responsibilities

• Update and maintain city, county, township, and community organization contact databases.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings, outreach events, and local government engagements.
• Conduct research on municipalities, government initiatives, and community trends.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, agendas, and stakeholder profiles.
• Track permits, franchise agreements, and community investment activities.
• Assist with special projects and administrative support for the Minnesota Community Relations team.

Skills

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Project coordination

Research abilities

Education

Public Administration

Political Science

Communications

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for. At Xcel Energy, our employees are the driving force behind our success. So we make sure that, here, you can be your best. Doing work that makes a difference for neighbors and communities. Working with a team you can count on to push you. Expanding skills, staying ready for change, and capturing opportunities to grow. All with the support, rewards and recognition you need to thrive - during your internship and beyond.

The Community Relations Intern will support Xcel Energy's Minnesota Community Relations team by assisting with stakeholder engagement, relationship management, research, project coordination, and administrative support activities across the state. This position provides exposure to local government relations, community engagement, economic development, infrastructure project support, and utility operations. The intern will work directly with Community Relations Managers who serve municipalities, counties, townships, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, and community leaders throughout Minnesota. The intern will help maintain critical stakeholder databases, coordinate meetings and outreach efforts, support local government engagement activities, assist with research and special projects, and help ensure accurate records and reporting across Community Relations territories. The Minnesota Community Relations team consists of Community Relations Managers strategically located throughout the state, supporting approximately 500 communities and serving as the primary liaison between Xcel Energy and local governments, community organizations, and key stakeholders. The intern will collaborate with team members representing multiple geographic territories and may assist with statewide initiatives and special projects.

Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Assist with updating and maintaining city, county, township, tribal nation, school district, economic development, and community organization contact databases.
• Support scheduling and coordination of meetings, community outreach events, facility tours, stakeholder briefings, and local government engagements.
• Conduct research on municipalities, local government initiatives, economic development opportunities, legislative issues, and community trends impacting Company operations.
• Assist Community Relations Managers with preparing briefing materials, presentations, meeting agendas, stakeholder profiles, and follow-up documentation.
• Support the tracking and organization of permits, franchise agreements, community projects, community investment activities, and other territory-related initiatives.
• Assist with special projects and administrative support activities that improve operational efficiency and consistency across the Minnesota Community Relations team.

This position is for a May 24, 2027 start date. This position may have the possibility to extend beyond the internship’s initial term based on the candidate’s successful performance and Xcel Energy’s business needs.

Minimum Requirements:

• Current student, Junior or higher Enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Community Development, Economic Development, Urban & Regional Planning, Public Relations, Business Administration, Government Relations, Nonprofit Management, Journalism, Sociology, Marketing, General Business
• This position will support Community Relations Managers located throughout Minnesota and may require travel to communities across the state.
• Travel may include: Visits to Community Relations offices and service centers throughout Minnesota. Attendance at city council meetings, county board meetings, township meetings, community events, economic development meetings, and stakeholder engagements. Participation in facility tours, project meetings, conferences, and team meetings.
• The intern should be willing and able to travel to support Community Relations Managers across Minnesota's nine Community Relations territories and service locations.
• Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week) and commuting to the designated work location in-person, per our hybrid work policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior internship, volunteer, leadership, or work experience involving government, community engagement, public affairs, communications, customer service, or project coordination.
• Experience with stakeholder databases, CRM systems, or contact management tools.
• Knowledge of local government operations, public policy, utilities, economic development, or community planning.
• Experience creating presentations, reports, and briefing materials.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with community leaders, elected officials, and external stakeholders.
• Interest in energy, infrastructure, public service, community development, or government affairs.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Minnesota.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at [e-mail].

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $18.20 to $24.50 per hour

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Pension
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Holidays

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 10/15/26

EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)

All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ 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 contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

You. Us. Together. At Xcel Energy, we're more than an energy company. We're reinventing how we power communities. Redefining how we care for customers. Reaffirming our commitment to the planet. We're committed to leading with equity and inclusion. You're not waiting for change - you're creating it. You're driven to protect the environment, support your community, and seek innovation. You want a career that grows with you and an employer who values you. You are reliable, trustworthy and bring integrity to everything you do. We are leading the way in clean energy. We're using technology and innovation in every facet of our company. We're providing safe, stable jobs with robust benefits. We keep our customers at the center of all we do. We're committed to hiring a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can provide carbon-free electricity by 2050. Together, we can take care of the environment and our communities. Together, we can create a place where everyone belongs. Together we're building a better tomorrow.