Special Events Intern Announcement

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is seeking a responsible and motivated individual to intern in its Development Department.  The Special Events Intern for Summer/Fall 2010 will assist in all levels of planning for the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, AFC’s largest outdoor fundraising event. This is an incredible learning opportunity to learn the steps involved in organizing a major sporting event for more than 7,000 participants. This intern will gain exposure to corporate and foundation fundraising in a non-profit setting.

The Special Events Intern will directly assist the Development Department with phone solicitations, letter and proposal writing, vendor negotiations, volunteer recruitment, and event logistics. During her/his tenure, the intern also will have the opportunity to learn how events directly support the mission of AFC.

The Special Events Intern will learn:

·         Management of event logistics, including: the development of the site plan, oversight of setup/break-down materials, management of manpower needs, activities coordination, and supply delivery;

·         How to analyze and work within budgets; maintain accurate accounting of events costs and income and create purchase orders for vendor payment;

·         How to compile results from the event, perform preliminary evaluation of performance to goals, and provide results to supervising staff;

·         Based on evaluation and event briefing sessions, how to recommend improvements for the future as appropriate.

Qualifications:

·         Current enrollment in a graduate or undergraduate degree program with an interest and aptitude to work in the special events field;

·         Students majoring in special event planning, marketing, communications, or public relations;

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills;

·         Ability to prioritize tasks and handle numerous assignments;

·         Proficient in Microsoft Office applications;

• Passion for social justice issues and the fight against HIV/AIDS;
• Volunteer experience or familiarity with non-profit organizations desired.

The position goals include imparting on-the-job training and experience in an expanding special events field. The Special Events Intern will work closely with the Development Department to gain conceptual knowledge, along with the hands-on experience of completing specific tasks associated with event planning. At the end of his/her internship, the Special Events Intern will have working knowledge of special event planning and private/meeting planning tasks, processes and budgeting, which he/she will be able to translate into future career opportunities.

The candidate will also gain familiarity with a variety of Chicago area corporate and foundation funders, as well as those that specifically fund HIV/AIDS, and have opportunities to network with program staff, policy staff, development staff, and the broader community.

This internship is unpaid (stipend available), however, AFC can help interns obtain college credit for their work, where available.  The intern will receive necessary training and staff supervision.  We require a minimum of 15 hours/week for a minimum of 8 weeks, though longer internships are preferred.

All candidates must submit a cover letter and resume and complete an application form, which can be found at: http://www.aidschicago.org/pdf/intern_application.pdf

Please submit all application materials by May 15, 2010 to:

Email:                    Interns@aidschicago.org

                Mail:                      AFC Intern Program, 200 W Jackson Blvd Ste 2200, Chicago, IL 60606

                Fax:                        (312) 922-2916