Community Relations Intern

INTERNSHIP INFORMATION

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) Internship Program includes valuable leadership and professional development training opportunities to build your network exposure to MAC and the aviation industry and high-quality work experiences that will help you grow your career.

• Length: Summer - 12 weeks
• Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
• Start date: June 1 2026
• Location: 6040 28th Avenue South Minneapolis MN

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Relations Intern will contribute directly to the Metropolitan Airports Commissions mission of fostering positive informed relationships between the MAC and the communities surrounding our airports. This position provides hands-on experience at the intersection of aviation operations data analytics and public engagement.

The intern will support the MACs aircraft noise and community engagement programs by documenting and analyzing aircraft noise inquiries and complaints evaluating aircraft operations and noise-monitoring data and identifying key trends and insights. The selected candidate will assist in preparing reports visualizations and presentations that help inform staff stakeholders and elected officials about aviation activity and community impacts.

In addition to developing strong analytical capabilities the Community Relations Intern will gain real-world experience in community engagement by helping respond to resident inquiries communicating investigation results and collaborating with staff on strategies to address community concerns. The role offers exposure to industry-standard tools aviation noise policies and the operational environment of a major airport system.

Some weekday evenings will be required to support community meetings listening sessions or public outreach events.

JOB DUTIES

• Support the MACs noise and operations management system (MACNOMS) by documenting tracking and responding to emails phone calls website submissions and written correspondence related to aircraft operations aircraft noise and other community-related topics.
• Conduct spatial and data analyses of aircraft operations and noise-monitoring information; prepare clear written summaries and verbal explanations that address community questions and concerns.
• Engage with community members to listen educate and provide context about aircraft noise airport operations and long-term planning efforts; effectively communicate the positive economic and community benefits of aviation and the unique roles of MACs seven airports in the Twin Cities region.
• Assist in the development of website content presentations and other communication materials to convey technical information in an accurate accessible and user-friendly manner.
• Help plan coordinate and execute community outreach activities events and presentations that support the MACs engagement goals and increase public understanding of airport operations and aviation noise management.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program OR be a recent graduate (within 12 months from posting date)in aviation communications environmental or urban planning public affairs public policy political science geography or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to convey information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information identify patterns or trends and present findings in a clear and organized manner
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with staff and external stakeholders
• Proficiency with basic computer applications (e.g. Microsoft Excel Word and PowerPoint)
• Availability to work some weekday evenings in support of community outreach activities

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience responding to customer inquiries community members or the general public in a service-oriented environment
• Familiarity with data visualization tools or basic analytical methods
• Interest in aviation transportation systems or public-sector work
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) SQL or other software used to analyze or present information