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

About the 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for the day-to-day operations of the Community Affairs department
• Participate in projects and initiatives focused on employee and community engagement
• Conduct research and reporting, including recommendations or proposals for action
• Coordinate and support events
• Develop communications materials
• Analyze program results and make recommendations that support community-focused business objectives
• 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
• Under supervision, provide entry-level professional services as appropriate to the day-to-day operating objectives of the area
• Participate in the planning and implementation of unit projects and initiatives within area of expertise and ability
• Undertake related studies or enrichment programs as appropriate to the specific objectives of the operating unit
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required

• Full or part-time enrollment in an accredited college or university baccalaureate program
• Authorized to work in the U.S. independently (visa sponsorship not offered for this role)

Preferred

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

Compliance

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. All employees must comply with 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, including adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.