State Affairs Intern

About the role

NiSource is currently seeking a Summer State Affairs Intern. Successful applicants will become integral members of the department while learning within a team environment, completing meaningful tasks and collaborating with team members and leaders on important projects. This position will be a great opportunity for candidates desiring to launch their career in this field. Successful applicants will build professional relationships with other interns and all levels of NiSource personnel while participating in rewarding professional development exercises and team-building activities. Interns will obtain a broad overview of NiSource's operations and current events in the utilities industry.

Schedule

This is a 12-week summer internship program starting in May 2027, for students entering their junior or senior year in fall 2027. The role is based in Columbus, OH. Candidates must reside within 50 miles of the reporting location to be eligible.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• An undergraduate path in public affairs, political science, communications, public relations, business, public policy, government relations, or a 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 is desirable.
• 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.
• Must be a rising junior or senior.
• A self-starter able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Physical Demands

As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $17.20 – $29.70 per hour.