Summer 2027 Community Affairs (Buffalo, NY) Undergraduate Intern (Open)

Highmark Health; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Highmark Health invites applications for the Summer 2027 Community Affairs Undergraduate Intern role in the Western PA Region. The internship provides hands-on experience in community engagement, employee volunteerism, CSR initiatives, and partnerships, with exposure to diverse career areas within Community Affairs and related functions.

As part of the Community Affairs team, you will assist in planning, coordination, and execution of programs that strengthen employee involvement and community

Qualifications

• Full or part-time enrollment in an accredited college or university baccalaureate program.
• Currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration, Management, Nonprofit Management, Government Affairs/Relations, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and executing strategic community and employee engagement initiatives across the Western PA Region.
• Support volunteer programs, community events, stakeholder engagement activities, and administrative and analytical projects.
• Contribute to research, reporting, and communications materials to support community-focused objectives.

Education

Enrollment in an accredited college/university bachelor's program

Pursuing degree in Business Administration/Management/Nonprofit Management/Government Affairs or related field

Job description

Company : Highmark Inc. Job Description : Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. independently. At this time, we do not offer visa sponsorship for this role.

The Summer 2027 Community Affairs Undergraduate Intern – Western PA Region provides students with an opportunity to gain practical, hands‑on experience supporting community engagement, employee volunteerism, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and strategic community partnerships.

This internship is designed to develop the next generation of diverse business professionals through direct exposure to community affairs programming and stakeholder engagement while contributing to initiatives that positively impact the communities Highmark serves.

As a member of the Community Affairs team, the intern will play an active role in the planning, coordination, and execution of strategic community and employee engagement initiatives across the Western PA Region.

The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to programs designed to strengthen employee involvement, foster meaningful community relationships, and support organizational goals related to social impact and community investment.

The program provides hands‑on training and exposure to a variety of career opportunities within Community Affairs, Corporate Social Responsibility, Nonprofit Partnerships, Government and Community Relations, Employee Engagement, Communications, and Event Management.

Interns will collaborate with internal business partners and external community organizations while supporting volunteer programs, community events, stakeholder engagement activities, and administrative and analytical projects that drive community impact.

Typical responsibilities include providing support for the day‑to‑day operations of the Community Affairs department, participating in projects and initiatives focused on employee and community engagement, conducting research and reporting, coordinating and supporting events, developing communications materials, analyzing program results, and making recommendations that support community‑focused business objectives.

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Typical responsibilities include, providing services to the day‑to‑day operating objectives of the assigned area, participating in projects and programs appropriate to the needs of the assigned area, participating in the planning and implementation of projects and initiatives, conducting research and reporting including recommendations or proposals for action.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Full or part-time enrollment in an accredited college or university baccalaureate program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration, Management, Nonprofit Management, Government Affairs/Relations, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. 1. Communicate effectively while interacting directly with colleagues, clientele, and/or other internal or external constituencies in the planning of assignments and the resolution of day‑to‑day operational problems.
2. 2. Under supervision, provide entry‑level professional services as appropriate to the day‑to‑day operating objectives of the area. Receives guidance, training, and mentoring from senior personnel in planning and carrying out activities and assignments.
3. 3. Undertake and/or participates in projects and programs designed to develop professional skills and expertise appropriate to the needs of the organization.
4. 4. Participate in the planning and implementation of unit projects and initiatives within area of expertise and ability.
5. 5. As specifically requested by management, conduct research and reporting inclusive of recommendations or alternative proposals for action.
6. 6. Undertake related studies or enrichment programs as appropriate to the specific objectives of the operating unit.
7. 7. Perform miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned.

Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job. Compliance Requirement: This position adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy. Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.

Pay Range Minimum: Pay Range Maximum: Base pay is determined by a variety of factors including a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expected contributions, as well as internal peer equity, market, and business considerations. The displayed salary range does not reflect any geographic differential Highmark may apply for certain locations based upon comparative markets.

Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

California Consumer Privacy Act Employees, Contractors, and Applicants Notice Highmark Health is a national, blended health organization that includes one of America’s largest Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers and a growing regional hospital and physician network. Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Highmark Health’s 35,000 employees serve millions of customers nationwide through the nonprofit organization’s affiliated businesses, which include Highmark Inc., Allegheny Health Network, HM Insurance Group, United Concordia Dental, HM Health Solutions and HM Home & Community Services.