State Affairs Intern: Policy & Stakeholder Research

nisource; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 31,685,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource invites applications for a Summer State Affairs Intern in Columbus, OH. This 12-week program starts in May 2027 and targets juniors or seniors.

You will support stakeholder engagement, regulatory and legislative research, and project tracking while collaborating with leaders and cross-functional partners. The internship offers exposure to NiSource operations, opportunities to build professional relationships, and participation in professional development activities and team-building

Qualifications

• Undergraduate path in public affairs, political science, communications, public relations, business, public policy, government relations, or related field; strong writing and organizational skills.
• Basic knowledge or interest in public affairs, government relations, regulatory affairs, community engagement, or utility operations is desirable.
• Willing to travel within the service territory to attend events.
• Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Incumbent is required to be a full/part time student at an accredited university or college.
• Supports State Affairs projects and initiatives, including stakeholder engagement, community outreach, and legislative or regulatory tracking.
• Maintains stakeholder information and helps track engagement with community partners, elected officials, business organizations, industry groups, and other external contacts.
• Prepares briefing materials, summaries, talking points, meeting notes, and internal updates for State Affairs and business partners.
• Assists with meetings, events, forums, and outreach activities, including logistics, agendas, follow-up notes, and action item tracking.
• Researches local government, legislative, regulatory, community, and industry topics to help identify emerging issues and engagement opportunities.
• Completes a capstone project that supports a State Affairs priority, including research, analysis, recommendations, and a final presentation or summary of findings.

Skills

Public affairs

Writing skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Undergraduate status (junior or senior)

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Excel

Job description

NiSource invites applications for a Summer State Affairs Intern in Columbus, OH. This 12-week program starts in May 2027 and targets juniors or seniors.

You will support stakeholder engagement, regulatory and legislative research, and project tracking while collaborating with leaders and cross-functional partners. The internship offers exposure to NiSource operations, opportunities to build professional relationships, and participation in professional development activities and team-building