State Affairs Intern: Policy & Stakeholder Outreach

NiSource; North Carolina; On-site; USD 23,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

NiSource is seeking a Summer State Affairs Intern to join the State Affairs department in Columbus, OH for a 12-week program starting May 2027. The role offers exposure to stakeholder engagement, regulatory research, and cross-functional collaboration.

The intern will assist with materials, tracking, and coordinating with leadership and partners, while gaining a broad view of NiSource’s operations in the utilities sector. Must be a rising junior or senior and reside within 50 miles of Columbus.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate student in public affairs, political science, communications, public relations, business, public policy, government relations, or related field with strong writing and organizational skills.
• Basic knowledge or interest in public affairs, government relations, regulatory affairs, community engagement, strategic planning, communications, or utility operations.
• Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and other Microsoft programs; ability to organize information, build trackers, and prepare clear presentation materials.
• Experience with research, writing, data organization, event support, photography, videography, editing, or presentation development is preferred.
• Willing to travel throughout the Columbia Gas of Ohio service territory to attend and support events.

Responsibilities

• Support the State Affairs projects and initiatives, including stakeholder engagement, community outreach, and legislative or regulatory tracking.
• Maintain stakeholder information and track engagement with community partners, elected officials, business organizations, industry groups, and other external contacts.
• Prepare briefing materials, summaries, talking points, meeting notes, and internal updates for State Affairs and business partners.
• Assist with meetings, events, forums, and outreach activities, including logistics, agendas, follow-up notes, and action item tracking.
• Research local government, legislative, regulatory, community, and industry topics to identify emerging issues and engagement opportunities.
• Complete a capstone project that supports a State Affairs priority, including research, analysis, recommendations, and final presentation.

Skills

Public affairs

Writing skills

Organizational skills

Research ability

Travel readiness

Education

Undergraduate in related field

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

NiSource is seeking a Summer State Affairs Intern to join the State Affairs department in Columbus, OH for a 12-week program starting May 2027. The role offers exposure to stakeholder engagement, regulatory research, and cross-functional collaboration.

The intern will assist with materials, tracking, and coordinating with leadership and partners, while gaining a broad view of NiSource’s operations in the utilities sector. Must be a rising junior or senior and reside within 50 miles of Columbus.