Strategic Communications Assistant Jobs in Indiana

NiSource Internship Program Introduction

NiSource is currently seeking a Summer Communications 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 the candidate 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 fun, team-building activities. Interns will obtain a broad overview of NiSource's operations and current events in the utilities industry.

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 Merrillville, IN. Candidates must reside within 50 miles of the reporting location to be eligible.

Summary

As a Brand & Channels Communications Intern, you'll gain hands-on experience supporting storytelling, content creation, platform management, and emergency outages across internal and external channels. You'll help shape how we connect with customers and communities while learning how communications drive business strategy and reputation.

Key Responsibilities

Your responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Social Media & Platform Management

• Draft, schedule, and publish content across LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Nextdoor.

• Monitor engagement and assist with community management.

• Help maintain editorial calendars and content checklists.

Content Creation

• Assist in writing captions, articles, and scripts for internal and external use.

• Support video and photo production, including storyboarding and on-site shoots.

• Create materials such as short and long-format videos, graphics, and web materials.

• Support intake and execution of requests via the Communications Channels & Branding Request Form.

Analytics & Reporting

• Track performance metrics using tools like Hootsuite and native platform insights such as META.

• Compile weekly and monthly reports to inform strategy and optimize content.

• Leverage analytics and communications measures to support effective storytelling.

• Emergency Outages & Crisis Communications

• Support the Communications team in delivering timely and accurate messaging during emergency outages and service disruptions.

• Monitor customer sentiment and engagement during outages to help inform response strategies.

• Participate in post-outage reviews to assess communications effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Essential Functions

• Incumbent is required to be a full/part time student at an accredited university or college.
• Assists with public relations projects and programs, including charitable giving campaigns and community volunteer events
• Serves as brand ambassador at targeted community events to promote core company messages (ex. energy efficiency, safe digging, energy assistance renewable energy educations, etc.)
• Updates media contact and community stakeholder lists
• Develops news content for internal communications intranet (MySource) and internet (NIPSCO.com) including photo and video
• Develops content for news releases, customer mailings, company fact sheets and other external communications
• Supports social media activity
• Conducts research that may include industry and corporate awards, industry and corporate-wide speaking opportunities and media placements

Required Qualifications For Position

• A journalism, public relations, communications or related undergraduate with strong writing and organizational skills
• Must be a rising junior or senior
• A self-starter, able manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Basic knowledge and understanding of communications, public relations, planning, implementation and evaluation desirable
• Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship
• Has worked on college newspaper or interned at PR firm.
• Intermediate skill level with Adobe Suite (Photoshop specifically)
• Photography, videography or editing background

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position
Physical Demands
The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

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.

Workplace Connection
We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.

We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.comor 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement
Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

NiSourceparticipates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.

• E-Verify Poster(English and Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster(English and Spanish)

Salary Range*:

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

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