Event & Program Operations Internship - Spring 2027
Indianapolis, IN
Posted 1 day ago
Job Description
500 Festival Event & Program Operations Internship (3 positions available) - Spring 2027 (January 12 – June 3, 2027)
This listing covers three separate internship tracks within our Operations team (see Internship Areas of Focus section below). Candidates interested in any or all the outlined positions should apply via this listing.
Internship Details
- Dates: January 12 - June 3, 2027
- Hours: Full time, approx. 40 hours/week (8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday). Extended hours, evenings, weekends and all weekends in May are required.
- Compensation: $500/week stipend, paid monthly (no relocation or housing assistance provided)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Internship Areas of Focus
Track 1 - Sara Adams, SVP of Programs
- Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade
- 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc.
- 500 Festival Kickoff to May, presented by STAR Bank
- IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
- 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy
- The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service
- 500 Festival Indy Mini Expo
- JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids’ Day
Position Overview
- Assist with the planning and logistical execution of assigned 500 Festival events and programs
- Support the development and implementation of event timelines, checklists, and production schedules
- Coordinate with internal departments (marketing, registration, strategic partnerships, etc.) to ensure event needs are met
- Communicate with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to confirm event logistics and deliverables
- Help manage event inventory, supplies, and equipment, including preparation, transportation, and on-site setup
- Participate in on-site event production for all events and programs, including setup, operations, troubleshooting, and teardown
- Assist with drafting event materials, such as operations manuals, maps, and run-of-show documents
- Conduct post-event evaluations and support reporting, debriefs, and analysis
- Provide general administrative support to the Operations team and supervisors as needed
- Serve as an ambassador for the 500 Festival, providing excellent customer service and promoting a positive experience for participants and guests
- Provide additional support when needed to other members of the Operations team
- Other responsibilities as assigned
- Training or experience in event planning, recreation, tourism, marketing, special events or a related field is recommended.
- Proactive with various details of assigned events.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organized, proactive and collaborative.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours in May.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed for event setup/teardown.
- Apply with a cover letter and resume.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is encouraged.
- Interviews will be conducted virtually or in-person, depending on applicant availability and location. Applicants may be considered for other internship tracks based on interests and skills.
- Hands-on, professional experience in large-scale event production.
- Behind-the-scenes access to the Month of May in Indianapolis.
- Networking opportunities with civic leaders, sponsors, and event professionals.
- 500 Festival branded apparel.
- Two tickets to the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade.
- Two tickets to the 111th Running of the Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge.
500 Festival
No other singular sporting event in the world has a legacy like the Indianapolis 500. No other event has shaped and defined a city and state and their people like the Indianapolis 500. The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the Indianapolis 500. 60+ years later, the 500 Festival is one of the largest and most respected festivals in the nation, adding to the quality of life for Indiana’s citizens and their guests.Each year, the 500 Festival brings more than half a million people to the heart of Indiana to celebrate the magical month of May. Whether they are participants in one of the nation's largest half marathons, fourth-grade students in the Education Program, families enjoying the state's largest festival for kids, or spectators at one of the nation's largest parades, there’s nothing quite like Indy’s electricity leading up to the Indianapolis 500.Key 500 Festival events include: the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon; the 500 Festival mini-mini; JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kid's Day & Rookie Run; the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. (held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway); the 500 Festival Memorial Service, presented by Rolls-Royce; the IPL 500 Festival Parade and the KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball.
