Executive Pathways Community Relations Intern

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), in collaboration with many partners, helps Minnesota’s most vulnerable residents meet their basic needs so they can live in dignity and achieve their highest potential. 

The Executive Pathways Program is a paid summer internship (June – August) for college students to explore a rewarding career in public service. 

What you can expect during your internship:

• Hands-on experience impacting individuals and processes within a large human service agency
• Opportunity to meet (virtually and in-person) to network with other state employees
• Attend virtual workshops focused on your Professional development
• Give back to the communities DHS serves through volunteerism

Job Summary

This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.

The Community Relations Intern will work within the Office of Agency Culture and Relations in support of the Community Relations Division. The intern will assist in developing a community engagement framework that defines both minimum and enhanced standards for practice, policy, and implementation. Under the guidance of the Director of Community Relations, the intern will help craft recommendations for the framework, build an implementation plan with measurable progress indicators, and design an evaluation approach, including an impact dashboard to track outcomes. This internship provides a valuable opportunity to influence community engagement strategies that promote inclusivity and meaningful impact across communities.

Some responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Conduct research, analyze information, and synthesize findings into clear recommendations
• Interpret data and contribute to evaluation tools such as dashboards or progress measures 
• Knowledge of community engagement principles, effective outreach practices, and relationship building strategies