Summer 2026 Communications Intern

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!

We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

Ignite Your Communication Career with SPP as out Summer 2026 Communications Intern!

Are you ready to put your creativity, writing, and digital skills to work in a real-world setting? Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is looking for a Summer 2026 Communications Intern to join our dynamic Communications team!

In this exciting 10–12 week, full-time internship, you’ll play an active role in developing and delivering communications that inform, engage, and inspire SPP’s internal and external audiences. Guided by experienced communications professionals, you’ll gain hands-on experience in corporate communications while learning how SPP keeps the lights on across the central United States.

This is more than just an internship—it’s a chance to make an impact, tell compelling stories, and explore a future career in communications and the energy industry.

What You'Ll Do:

• Create engaging written, visual, and digital content for SPP’s website, intranet (The Circuit), social media, email, and presentations.
• Keep SPP’s online presence current by reviewing and updating content and coordinating with internal teams.
• Support surveys and audience research to measure communication effectiveness and engagement.
• Design and format branded templates, presentations, and reports that align with SPP’s visual identity.
• Draft messaging for internal and external audiences—including assisting with emergency communications under staff guidance.
• Help plan and execute stakeholder meetings and special events through materials prep and logistical support.
• Conduct background research to support message development, planning, and audience targeting.
• Learn SPP’s communications processes, tools, and standards while exploring how communication powers a critical industry.
• Duration: 10–12 weeks, full-time (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
• Keep SPP’s online presence current by reviewing and updating content and coordinating with internal teams.
• Support surveys and audience research to measure communication effectiveness and engagement.
• Design and format branded templates, presentations, and reports that align with SPP’s visual identity.
• Draft messaging for internal and external audiences—including assisting with emergency communications under staff guidance.
• Help plan and execute stakeholder meetings and special events through materials prep and logistical support.
• Conduct background research to support message development, planning, and audience targeting.
• Learn SPP’s communications processes, tools, and standards while exploring how communication powers a critical industry.
• Duration: 10–12 weeks, full-time (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Internship Overview

• Format: Onsite internship.
• Compensation: Paid internship with housing available (if needed)
• Engagement: Teaming activities and professional development opportunities outside of regular work hours
• Capstone: Interns will deliver a final presentation showcasing lessons learned and knowledge gained
• Experience using design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite or Canva.
• Familiarity with survey tools or audience research methods.
• Exposure to content management systems or intranet platforms (e.g., SharePoint).
• Interest in the energy industry, public affairs, or stakeholder engagement.

Format: Onsite internship.

• Compensation: Paid internship with housing available (if needed)
• Engagement: Teaming activities and professional development opportunities outside of regular work hours
• Capstone: Interns will deliver a final presentation showcasing lessons learned and knowledge gained
• Experience using design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite or Canva.
• Familiarity with survey tools or audience research methods.
• Exposure to content management systems or intranet platforms (e.g., SharePoint).
• Interest in the energy industry, public affairs, or stakeholder engagement.

What We'Re Looking For:

• College student working toward a bachelor’s degree or above in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field
• Must be entering senior year or have completed at least three years of undergraduate coursework by the start of the internship.
• 3.0 GPA or higher
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with digital communications platforms such as websites, social media, or email tools.
• Ability to follow established style guidelines and produce clear, error-free content.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and respond to feedback constructively.

Preferred:

• Previous internship or work experience in a communications-related roles.

Position Type, Locations and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a temporary, onsite summer 2026 internship in Little Rock, Arkansas. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Travel Requirement:

This position requires no travel

SPP is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and is committed to excellence. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process. We will accommodate the needs of any qualified candidate who requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - Southwest Power Pool .

Full job descriptions will be made available to those selected for an interview.