Event Management Internship

Company Description

The Edison Festival of Light is seeking undergraduate and graduate students interested in gaining experience in a nonprofit environment. The Edison Festival of Light is a nonprofit, volunteer, self-supporting organization that plans, organizes and promotes Southwest Florida’s largest festival. The Festival is a celebration of innovation, tradition, and education and takes place in February each year and consists of 22 events and involves a half million people. 

Job Description

The Event Management Intern will report directly to the Marketing & Event Coordinator in the area of event management. This is an unpaid internship offered each semester (fall, spring, summer). 

Please note: Due to budget constraints, Edison Festival of Light interns may need to have and bring in their own laptop computer (or a similar device such as a tablet, iPad, etc.) with appropriate software, to use during work hours. The work takes place in downtown Fort Myers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Event Management Intern will be responsible for assisting the Marketing & Event Coordinator in supporting initiatives and special events organized and delivered throughout the Edison Festival of Light. 
• Serves as general support for operations area; 
• Review and evaluate current materials and checklists for special events and programs; 
• Prepare checklists, templates, and other materials that could be used by the Edison Festival of Light and other partner organizations for use at various events; 
• Updates production schedule and scripts; 
• Serves as back up for any other production, office, and event needs; 
• Collaborate with current staff to write operating procedures for planning various events and programs; 
• Researches potential vendors and suppliers for use through special programs; 
• Develops tracking sheets and other assessment instruments to track the impact of program and event procedures; 
• Keeps track of special event equipment; 
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must currently be enrolled at an accredited college or university; 
• Strong language and communication skills (written and oral); 
• Exceptional organization skills; 
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds; 
• Enthusiastic and positive attitude toward helping others; 
• Ability to work both independently and in team settings; 
• Demonstrated commitment to learning and continuous improvement; 
• Self-motivated, flexible, quick learner, and possesses a high level of personal integrity; 
• Detail-oriented with ability to meet deadlines, both prescribed and self-imposed; 
• Experience in special events preferred, but not required. 
• Detail and task oriented. 
• Ability to work independently to bring a project to completion and skills in facilitating partnerships, developing collaborative projects, prioritizing and managing multiple tasks. 
• Computer skills in Excel, Word and data reporting. 
• Ability to multi-task, establishes priorities, meet deadlines, and successfully manage numerous projects simultaneously.

Additional Information

Learning Outcomes: 
Under direction and supervision of the Marketing & Event Coordinator, the student will learn the following:
• Increase proficiency in specific business disciplines such as logistics, event budgeting, communications, and more; 
• Develop and improve skills in event planning, community development, public speaking ; 
• Observe and participate in organizational operations and decision-making; 
• Meet professional role models and potential mentors who can provide guidance, feedback, and support; 
• Expand network of professional contacts; 
• Develop and maintain a solid work ethic and professional demeanor, as well as a commitment to ethical conduct and social responsibility.