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External Relations Intern Jobs in Springfield, MO

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External Relations Intern information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$8

$16

$24

How much do external relations intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for external relations intern in Springfield, MO is $16.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $17.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an external relations intern?

External Relations Interns are entry-level professionals who support an organization's efforts to manage relationships with external stakeholders, such as media, partners, government agencies, and the public. Their duties often include assisting with communications, event planning, outreach activities, and preparing reports or presentations. This role provides valuable experience in public relations, stakeholder engagement, and communication strategy, making it ideal for students or recent graduates interested in careers in communications, public affairs, or nonprofit sectors. Interns typically work under the supervision of experienced external relations staff and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

What types of projects and collaborations can I expect as an external relations intern?

As an External Relations Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that involve building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders such as partners, sponsors, and the media. You'll often support event planning, assist with drafting communications materials, and help coordinate outreach campaigns. Collaboration is a key part of the role, as you'll regularly work with marketing, communications, and program teams to ensure consistent messaging and effective partnership strategies. This position offers valuable exposure to networking, stakeholder management, and cross-departmental teamwork, providing a strong foundation for future roles in communications or public relations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an external relations intern, and why are they important?

To excel as an External Relations Intern, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, organizational abilities, and a background in public relations, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with social media platforms, content management systems, and basic design tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite is often required. Interpersonal skills, professionalism, and adaptability help you build relationships and represent the organization effectively. These skills are critical for supporting outreach efforts, maintaining a positive public image, and facilitating smooth collaboration with external partners.

What is the difference between External Relations Intern vs Public Relations Intern?

AspectExternal Relations InternPublic Relations Intern
ResponsibilitiesSupports external communication, stakeholder engagement, and partnership developmentAssists with media outreach, press releases, and brand image management
Required SkillsCommunication, relationship-building, researchMedia relations, writing, media monitoring
Work EnvironmentNonprofit, corporate, or government sectors focusing on external outreachPR agencies, corporate communications departments
Common UsageUsed in organizations emphasizing stakeholder engagementUsed in organizations focusing on media and brand reputation

While both roles involve communication and outreach, External Relations Interns focus on building relationships with external stakeholders and partners, whereas Public Relations Interns primarily handle media relations and brand image. The roles often overlap but differ in their primary focus areas within the communication spectrum.

What are popular job titles related to External Relations Intern jobs in Springfield, MO? For External Relations Intern jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching External Relations Intern jobs in Springfield, MO look for? The top searched job categories for External Relations Intern jobs in Springfield, MO are:
What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for External Relations Intern jobs? Cities near Springfield, MO with the most External Relations Intern job openings:
External Relations Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various External Relations Intern job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,295 per year, or $16 per hour.

Communications and Community Relations Intern

City Utilities of Springfield, MO

Springfield, MO • On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Connect to a career at City Utilities! CU has been connecting our community to the services they need for every day life since 1945. From electricity to power our lives, clean water to be healthy, natural gas to stay warm, internet to keep businesses connected, to transit services to get them where they need to go.
This position requires an employee to work between 20-25 hours per week during the school semesters, and 40 hours per week during summer, not to exceed 1,500 hours in a calendar year. Each semester, undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and graduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
INTERN GUIDELINES:
Students who have completed at least one year of college and are enrolled as a full-time student may apply. Must be enrolled full-time in a degree seeking program. A student's intern position will end within three months after graduation.
Pay Details:
$15.00 -$19.00/ hour
Pay dependent upon student classification.
Work Schedule:
Between the hours of 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday to Friday, 20-25 hours per week.
Job Description:
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Under the direction of the Communications and Community Relations Specialist or designee, supports key functions of the Communications and Community Relations department, with a strong emphasis on community relations, public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and fostering positive relationships between CU and the community.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Assists with community relations initiatives and outreach efforts that strengthen relationships between CU and the community.
2. Supports the planning and coordination of Utility-sponsored events, educational programs, and outreach activities.
3. Assists with volunteer scheduling and event logistics for internal and external activities.
4. Develops presentations, informational materials, and other communications that support public outreach efforts.
5. Assists with audio/visual setup and coordination for presentations, events, and programs.
6. Provides administrative and organizational support for department activities and initiatives as needed.
7. Performs other related duties as required or assigned by management.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Minimum of one year college or university working towards a bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Services, or a related field is required. Six months of experience supporting community engagement, public outreach, volunteer coordination, event planning, or communications activities is preferred.
Licensing/Certification:
Must have a valid driver's license (minimum Class F).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Working knowledge of office procedures, practices, and standard office equipment.
  • Proficient in navigating Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with social media platforms, web development, and Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Strong creative thinking, organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills while effectively managing multiple assignments and priorities.
  • Exceptional oral communication and interpersonal skills to convey information in a clear, concise manner.
  • Ability to:
    • Write and edit clear, engaging, and grammatically correct content.
    • Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion regarding utility and customer information.
    • Work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
    • Effectively utilize a range of digital tools and platforms, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, enterprise software, artificial intelligence-enhanced applications, and self-service systems. Must possess a willingness and capacity to learn and adapt to emerging technologies, including mobile devices, cloud-based systems, and data-driven platforms relevant to utility operations.
  • Maintain adherence to all company policies.

Physical Requirements:
Primarily performs sedentary work in an office environment; however, occasional standing, walking, and movement related to community outreach activities, presentations, and events may be required.. Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and receive detailed information through oral communication. Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, and close visual acuity to operate a computer is required. Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of light materials or event-related supplies may be necessary.
Working Conditions:
Normal office environment.
Miscellaneous Requirements:
  • New hires are informed of the requirements of the Internship upon hire, and incumbents must continue to meet the requirements each semester in order to continue employment. Interns who do not meet the requirements may be ineligible for the internship and their employment may be terminated.
  • Must be able to work successfully with diverse groups of people.
  • Employee must remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain the ability to respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner.
  • May require occasional work hours outside the 8-5 timeframe, including weekends.

TESTING
Testing may be required.
EEO
City Utilities offers equal employment opportunities to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information or marital status. Learn more about CU and EEO.

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