Summer Internship Opportunity – Marketing, Events & Community OutreachBear’s Foundation – Linked4Life Initiative

Bear’s Foundation is seeking a motivated and community-minded Summer Intern to support a meaningful fundraising and outreach initiative benefiting mental health resources for hospitality industry workers.

This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising, community outreach, event support, and hospitality marketing while contributing to an important mission. The selected candidate will help grow participation in the Linked4Life initiative, a partnership supporting Mental Health First Aid training and resources for members of the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association through fundraising efforts connected to the Hartford Marathon Foundation.

The ideal candidate is organized, outgoing, reliable, and passionate about community engagement. This is an excellent opportunity for a college student or emerging professional interested in nonprofit work, hospitality, marketing, events, public relations, or community partnerships. The internship is designed to run May through October 2026, though candidates available May through August are also encouraged to apply. There is potential for the role to evolve into a permanent position.

The position is based out of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, with a strong emphasis on outreach and event support throughout the New Haven area.

JOB SUMMARY

The Marketing, Events & Community Outreach Intern will support the Bear’s Foundation and the Linked4Life initiative through community engagement, fundraising outreach, event support, and administrative coordination.

The primary focus of this role is helping recruit participation from restaurants, hospitality groups, businesses, and community members in support of the organization’s fundraising campaign leading up to the Hartford Marathon Foundation events in October. Participants may form teams, fundraise independently, or support the cause through sponsorship and outreach efforts. Funds raised will directly support Mental Health First Aid training and mental health resources for hospitality workers throughout Connecticut.

This internship provides valuable real-world experience in nonprofit development, grassroots fundraising, hospitality marketing, event coordination, and community relations. The role works closely with the marketing and events team and may also support Bear’s Smokehouse events and catering initiatives as needed throughout the summer and fall season.

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, self-motivated, organized, comfortable interacting with the public, and passionate about making a positive impact in the community.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Community Outreach & Fundraising Support

• Visit restaurants, hospitality businesses, and community organizations to promote participation in the Linked4Life fundraising initiative.
• Help recruit fundraising teams, sponsors, donors, and individual participants.
• Assist with maintaining outreach tracking lists, participation records, and fundraising communications.
• Represent Bear’s Foundation and Linked4Life at community events, networking opportunities, and outreach meetings.
• Support relationship-building efforts with local hospitality groups and community partners.
• Distribute promotional materials and assist with awareness campaigns related to mental health initiatives within the hospitality industry.

Event Support

• Assist with planning, setup, execution, and breakdown of fundraising and community events throughout the summer and fall.
• Provide onsite support during public events, restaurant activations, fundraisers, and marathon-related activities.
• Assist with event logistics, vendor coordination, registration, guest support, and general event operations.
• Run occasional errands related to events, outreach efforts, and marketing initiatives.

Marketing & Administrative Support

• Assist with social media content, outreach materials, flyers, and promotional efforts.
• Help maintain event calendars, outreach databases, and organizational documents.
• Assist with compiling participation metrics and fundraising progress updates.
• Support marketing and events team with miscellaneous administrative projects as needed.

WORK SCHEDULE

This internship offers a flexible schedule based on candidate availability and event needs.

Preferred availability is May through October 2026, though May through August candidates will also be considered. The anticipated schedule ranges from 15–30 hours per week depending on events and outreach activity.

Some evening and weekend availability will be required to support events and community initiatives. This is an onsite position with work primarily based out of Windsor Locks, CT and outreach activity concentrated throughout the New Haven area.

Remote work is not available for this position.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Interested in nonprofit work, hospitality, event planning, marketing, fundraising, public relations, or community engagement
• Comfortable speaking with business owners, community members, and the public
• Organized and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Reliable, proactive, and self-motivated
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to assist wherever needed
• Experience with Canva, social media platforms, or event coordination is a plus but not required

Students currently pursuing degrees in marketing, communications, hospitality, nonprofit management, business, public relations, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
• Must be comfortable traveling locally for outreach visits, meetings, and event support
• Proof of insurance and acceptable driving record required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40–50 pounds occasionally
• Comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to assist with event setup, breakdown, and transportation of materials and supplies

ABOUT THE INITIATIVE

Bear’s Foundation’s Linked4Life initiative is dedicated to supporting mental health awareness, education, and resources within the hospitality industry. Through fundraising partnerships and community engagement, proceeds from this campaign will help provide Mental Health First Aid training opportunities to members of the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association and strengthen mental health support systems for hospitality workers throughout the region.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This position description is subject to change based on organizational needs.