Summer 2026 External Affairs 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 External Affairs Career with SPP as out Summer 2026 External Affairs Intern!

Are you passionate about public policy, government relations, and the energy sector? SPP is seeking a Summer 2026 External Affairs Intern to support our efforts in building strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders. This hands-on internship offers an exciting opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world policy and stakeholder environment.

What You'Ll Do:

As an External Affairs Intern, you will work closely with our team to advance SPP’s legislative, regulatory, and public affairs initiatives. Typical responsibilities include:

• Monitor and track state and federal legislation, regulatory proceedings, and other policy developments relevant to SPP and its stakeholders.
• Conduct research and prepare summaries of legislative proposals, regulatory actions, and political developments across SPP’s regional footprint.
• Contribute to the development of issue briefs, fact sheets, memos, and internal reports to support outreach and decision-making.
• Assist with planning and execution of stakeholder engagement activities, including facility tours, legislator visits, and industry events.
• Maintain databases and tracking tools for policymaker contacts, outreach efforts, and legislative priorities.
• Draft content for outreach or public affairs materials, with guidance from External Affairs team members.
• Coordinate with internal departments to gather technical or policy background needed for government affairs work.
• Attend internal meetings or webinars on policy issues, taking notes and summarizing key takeaways for the team.

Internship Overview

• Duration: 10–12 weeks, full-time (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
• Duration: 10–12 weeks, full-time (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
• 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
• Position Type, Locations and Expected Hours of Work:

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
• Position Type, Locations and Expected Hours of Work:

What We'Re Looking For:

• College student working toward a bachelor’s degree or above in political science, public administration, public policy, 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:

• Experience conducting legislative, regulatory, or political research.
• Familiarity with stakeholder engagement strategies or advocacy campaigns.
• Prior work or volunteer experience in a government, nonprofit, or policy-oriented organization.
• Knowledge of the electric utility industry, energy policy, or regional transmission organizations.

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.