500 Festival Strategic Partnerships & Activation, Spring 2025
January 7 – May 30, 2025
Supervisor: Joshua Reichart, Director of Strategic Partnerships
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 execution of 500 Festival events and programs while gaining valuable industry insight.
- Hours Requirement: Internship positions are considered full-time, with 40 hours per week requested. In-office work hours are generally 8:30 am – 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 organization that was 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).
- Interns will frequently work outdoors, which requires physical strength and stamina to endure heat, cold, rain and other conditions.
- Help create a positive event experience for all partners and corporate members at all 500 Festival events and programs.
- Assist in creating and maintaining accurate partner and event records.
- Create corporate partnership proposals, corporate membership sales and executive partner activation.
- Assist with logistics for 500 Festival and partner specific events.
- Develop and disseminate ongoing communication with partners and corporate members.
- Research and identify partnership opportunities for the 500 Festival.
- Support partnership proposals and recap templates that include adding content and performing research to complete prospect decks.
- Assist with onsite management of 500 Festival suite at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Tracking, assistance, and fulfillment relating to a variety of hospitality benefits per the partnership agreements.
- Distribution of marketing materials to partners and corporate members.
- Partnership activation via social media in office and onsite during 500 Festival events and programs.
- Collaborate with event professionals and volunteers to develop and manage program/event timelines.
- Work independently by thoroughly checking finished tasks, following through those managed expectations and instructions, and competing assigned tasks accurately. Other responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements:
- Enrolled as a student at an accredited college or university.
- Training and/or experience in meeting/event planning, recreation, tourism, marketing, special events or a related field is recommended.
- Possess strong written/verbal communication skills.
- Area a team player with exceptional organizational and computer skills.
- Are self-motivated and takes initiative; can manage and balance multiple projects/tasks at one time.
- Have strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm.
- Possess a willingness to learn and adjust/adapt to changing deadlines.
- Must have the stamina to work long hours and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which will include weekends and evenings.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
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 AES 500 Festival Parade.
- Two tickets to the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge.
