500 Festival Communications Internship, Spring 2025
January 7 – May 30, 2025
Supervisor: Savannah Boneta, Public Relations Senior Coordinator
Are you looking to make a BIG impact in the city of Indianapolis? The 500 Festival is looking for 11 interns to help produce the greatest series of programs and events! 500 Festival interns experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis and assist in the planning and executing 500 Festival events and programs while gaining valuable industry insight.
- Hours Requirement: Ideally, the communications internship position is full-time, requiring 40 hours per week; however, we understand communication major’s schedules. From January to March, there is some flexibility with scheduling, and we’ll work with you and your class schedule on in-office versus work from home days. From April to May, in-office, five days a week, is required. In-office hours are generally 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Must be willing to work long hours and an irregular schedule, which will include weekends, evenings, and every weekend in May.
- Compensation: Intern will earn a weekly stipend of $400. Stipend will be paid at the end of each month. No relocation or housing assistance is provided.
The 500 Festival is a not-for-profit created in 1957 to produce events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. Today, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most respected festivals, engaging more than half a million people throughout its events and programs each year. Events include the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the 500 Festival Parade, and so many more!
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Responsibilities:
- Learn about and participate in event set up, tear down, and production of all events and programs (consists of early mornings and late nights, and every weekend throughout the month of May).
- Interns will frequently work outdoors, which requires physical strength and stamina to endure heat, cold, rain and other conditions.
- Assist with written projects for media and public relation needs including press releases, media advisories, etc.
- Assist with researching and compiling up-to-date contact lists for media sends.
- Assist with research and outreach for influencer and celebrity involvement and logistics at 500 Festival events
- Assist with individualized media outreach for various media advisories and press releases.
- Assist with the 500 Festival Parade scripting process: responsible for drafting copy, making edits, and assembling scripts for day-of use by local TV and radio stations.
- Assist with site-management in announcer zones during 500 Festival Parade.
- Assist in writing blog posts for 500Festival.com and IndyMini.com.
- Assist with outreach to participants for written testimonials.
- Attend mobile and study trips throughout the months of March and April.
- Work with Digital Marketing Intern to add written descriptions to online community calendars.
- Represent and promote the 500 Festival at external events/expos via company booth.
- Coordinate promotions with external companies (i.e., delivering promotional materials offsite).
- Provide input on event recaps focusing on areas of success and improvement at internship completion.
Requirements:
- Enrolled as a student at an accredited college or university.
- Training and/or experience in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field is recommended.
- Possess strong written / verbal communication, organizational skills and displays creativity.
- Are self-motivated and takes initiative; can manage and balance multiple projects/tasks at one time.
- Able to keep busy during gaps in project timelines.
- Enjoy writing, proofreading and editing.
- Have strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm.
- Have working knowledge of media and media outlets spanning print, digital and broadcast.
- Have experience writing press materials.
- Have knowledge of AP style, effective branding practices and social media basics.
- Possess a willingness to learn and adjust/adapt to changing deadlines.
Application Process:
- Candidates with directly relevant skills and background are encouraged to apply with a cover letter and resume.
- Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as applications are received.
- Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams or in-person. The format will be determined by the supervisor and based on location and availability.
- We may also consider your application for other positions as part of our recruitment process.
Benefits:
- Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis.
- Hands-on industry experience.
- 500 Festival branded apparel.
- Two tickets to the 500 Festival Parade.
- Two tickets to the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge.
