What are the responsibilities and job description for the Marketing Communications Internship position at Tribal Operations?
Looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience that builds your professional skills? The SMSC and Mystic Lake 10-week summer internship program offers real-world projects, mentorship, and opportunities to develop lasting connections. Our internships are more than just an internship—they’re a pathway to building futures together, inspiring possibilities, and fostering growth. With weekly pay and impactful experiences, you’ll be equipped to take the next step toward your career.
Internship Application Process:
- Applications held open till October 15, 2025.
- Phone Interviews start October 5, 2025.
- Final Selections to Follow, Interns Selected before November 25.
Internship Overview: You'll be working for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), we are a tribal government, a vibrant community, and a workplace rich in individual skills and backgrounds. We believe in highlighting the passion and potential of our team members and all who interact with us.
Each week brings something new: from touring Hocokata Ti, our cultural center, to color runs, networking events, and team activities, there’s always something to look forward to. Beyond the experiences, you’ll work on meaningful projects that have an impact on the business while learning what it takes to thrive in the dynamic gaming and entertainment industry. With fun as one of our core values, you’ll enjoy connecting with fellow interns while exploring our culture and philanthropic efforts—making this summer an exciting and rewarding journey.
Internship Program Dates: June - August
Internship Location: Prior Lake, MN (in office)
You’ll be a perfect fit: if you’re eager to support engaging internal and external communications—whether through newsletters, blogs, or staff updates—and enjoy collaborating with team members to ensure clear, consistent messaging. You have strong writing skills and can draft well-structured articles, emails, and updates that inform and connect with tribal members, employees, and the public, while spotting opportunities to strengthen the SMSC’s overall communications strategy. Detail-oriented by nature, you take pride in proofreading for accuracy and consistency. You’re curious and collaborative, ready to assist with content planning, gathering information from colleagues, and highlighting stories that showcase the SMSC’s people and priorities. And you’re flexible, willing to jump in at events, assist with interviews, and contribute to a wide range of communications projects that help share the SMSC’s story.
Who We Are: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes both time and financial resources across the region, state, and country. The SMSC has donated more than $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic development loans to other tribes, and contributed millions more to support regional governments and infrastructure. The SMSC's Native Green initiative annually diverts hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, has implemented compostable containers throughout our properties, and restored hundreds of acres of prairie land. Team members are eligible to participate in SMSC Gives, a community outreach initiative that organizes various opportunities in the local community. To empower its team members to take part in the Dakota tradition of giving, the SMSC provides paid hours to team members to volunteer at events.
Internship Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program pertinent to the department/team to which assigned.
- Basic level skills in word-processing, spreadsheets, or other tools standard to the department/team to which assigned.
- Demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative, team environment.
- Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills.
