Corporate Affairs Intern (Marketing/PR)
The Corporate Affairs Intern will assist with the corporate affairs, communications, governmental affairs policy and strategic legislative initiatives of Black Hills Corporation (BHC) regulated electric and natural gas utilities and non-regulated business interests; assist in preparation to represent company’s interests before congressional delegations and industry associations; support the community affairs team with communications plan development and implementation; support and assist various projects as assigned within the Company’s Corporate Affairs Department. These projects will be assigned consistent with the Company’s Internship Program with an emphasis on developing an understanding of the Company’s multiple business units and enhancing the intern’s ability to apply his/her education in a business environment.
LOCATION: Rapid City, SD
Intern Relocation Adjustment Allowance of $1,000.00 is offered for the purpose of assisting with various expenses associated with your relocation for the internship (less applicable taxes and based on eligibility). Contents of our relocation program are subject to change and may vary based on position.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Senior Program Manager, Corporate Community Affairs
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Write, edit and coordinate projects including the preparation of newsletters and articles, talking points, brochures, advertising, news releases and other collateral material.
- In partnership with other Corporate Affairs team members, develop and maintain strong working relationships with key internal clients.
- Effectively manage responsibilities and assigned projects in a timely, organized manner.
- Support Corporate Affairs objectives, including: proactive media relations; coordinated community involvement; support government affairs initiatives and developing and managing a consistent communications program.
- Perform a variety of administrative duties including event planning & coordination, meeting scheduling.
- Assist in the development of public policy positions and priorities of the corporation in shaping the company’s legislative agenda.
- Research and create reports on energy policy issues.
- Schedule and attend PAC and grassroots meetings with business units.
- Schedule and attend meetings with legislators.
- Update legislative database.
- Monitor and analyze legislation impacting BHC.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- You will be expected to represent Corporate Affairs and support communications, government relations and community affairs as it relates to: Newsletters, Community Events, Internal Communications, Advertising, Sponsorships/Donations and any other event or project in which Corporate Affairs plays an important role.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
- Maintain strong working relationships within Corporate Affairs Department.
- Maintain supportive and respectful working relationships with all Black Hills Corporation employees and departments.
EXPERIENCE:
- None required.
EDUCATION:
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Strategic or Mass Communications, Journalism, Business Administration, Public Relations, Political Science, Graphic Design, Marketing, Finance or similar field.. Must have major and/or interest in civics, communications, government relations, policy and/or politics. Junior or senior preferred but not required.
KNOWLEDGE:
- General knowledge of tactics and tools (print, Web, newsletter, news release) used in the development of internal and external communications.
- General knowledge of computer-related software, such as word processing and desktop publishing software.
- Knowledge project management fundamentals.
- Knowledge of basic legislative process.
- Knowledge of energy industry at a basic level.
SKILLS/ABILITY/OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to prepare and give presentations.
- Attention to detail required.
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Ability to communicate with employees and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of business, employee and applicant information.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Participation in the Company’s Industry Orientation Experiences, which will include some travel.
- Prepare and present a synopsis of experience with the Company at the end of the internship.
About our Company: We are a customer focused, growth-oriented utility company that is devoted to our communities. We have a mission to improve life with energy and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture sparks unique perspectives, opening doors to new ideas and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 2800 employees and serve 1.2 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).
We are an EEO Employer.