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Event Planner Intern Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Events Intern

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Events Intern Gain hands-on event experience while supporting animals in need. The Animal Rescue ... This unpaid internship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit event planning, fundraising ...

Clinical Pharmacist Intern

West Des Moines, IA

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

... planning and organizing clinical services (vaccination clinics, health screenings) * Assist in ... This includes a normal schedule of working hours, but also includes being available in the event of ...

Social Media Intern

Altoona, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

... events and behind-the-scenes experiences Free training opportunities Potential for future paid ... Every workout, every day follows a strategic 8-week training cycle that is meticulously planned and ...

Individual career development planning * Networking with our global leaders * Professional and ... Support event execution and promotion including webinars, conferences, and design challenges that ...

Individual career development planning * Networking with our global leaders * Professional and ... Support event execution and promotion including webinars, conferences, and design challenges that ...

Individual career development planning * Networking with our global leaders * Professional and ... Support event execution and promotion including webinars, conferences, and design challenges that ...

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Event Planner Intern information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do event planner intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for event planner intern in Iowa is $16.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Event Planner Intern vs Event Coordinator?

AspectEvent Planner InternEvent Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college education; some internships may prefer related courseworkHigh school diploma; some roles prefer relevant certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in event planning companies or organizations, with supervised tasksFull-time or part-time role in event venues, companies, or organizations, with more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in hospitality, nonprofit, corporate events; entry-level position for studentsUsed across industries for managing events, from weddings to conferences
Common Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for entry-level understanding and career progression

The main difference between an Event Planner Intern and an Event Coordinator is experience and responsibility. Interns are typically students gaining exposure and assisting with tasks, while coordinators manage entire events with more autonomy. Internships serve as stepping stones toward becoming a full-fledged Event Coordinator.

What are some common challenges faced by Event Planner Interns and how can they overcome them?

Event Planner Interns often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines, coordinating with diverse vendors, and adapting to last-minute changes. To overcome these, it's important to stay organized with checklists, maintain clear communication with team members and vendors, and remain flexible in the face of unexpected shifts. Building strong time management skills and being proactive in seeking guidance from senior planners can help interns succeed and grow in this dynamic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Event Planner Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Event Planner Intern, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of event logistics, often supported by coursework in hospitality or related fields. Experience with event management software, budgeting tools, and platforms like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace is commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities help you stand out in this collaborative and fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring smooth event execution and exceeding client or stakeholder expectations.

What does an Event Planner Intern do?

An Event Planner Intern assists experienced event planners in organizing and coordinating events such as conferences, weddings, corporate meetings, and parties. Typical responsibilities include helping with venue selection, vendor communication, event promotion, and on-site support during events. Interns may also handle administrative tasks like scheduling, budgeting, and preparing event materials. This role provides hands-on experience and exposure to various aspects of event planning, helping interns develop organizational and communication skills crucial for the industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Event Planner jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Event Planner jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Event Planner Intern jobs in Iowa? For Event Planner Intern jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Event Planner Intern job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,924 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Events Intern

Events Intern

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Animal Rescue League of Iowa rating

3.3

Company rating: 3.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

710th of 716 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Events Intern

Gain hands-on event experience while supporting animals in need.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking an enthusiastic and organized Events Intern to support our Events team. This unpaid internship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit event planning, fundraising, marketing, community engagement, and donor support while contributing to events that raise awareness and critical support for animals in our care.

This is a great opportunity for someone interested in events, nonprofit work, fundraising, marketing, communications, hospitality, or community engagement who wants to build professional skills in a mission-driven environment.

Schedule
  • Unpaid internship
  • Flexible schedule based on availability and event needs
  • Evening and weekend availability required for some events
  • Internships are available year-round
  • Work may take place at ARL locations and occasionally off-site at event venues
About the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, helping animals and the people who love them through sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources. Across multiple locations and programs in the Des Moines metro, the ARL works every day to provide compassionate care, practical support, and trusted resources for animals and families in our community.

What You’ll Do
  • Support the planning, preparation, and execution of ARL events.
  • Assist with event logistics, timelines, supplies, setup, and tear-down.
  • Help recruit donations for auctions, raffles, and event needs.
  • Assist with event pages, ticketing software, registrations, and attendee information.
  • Create or support content for social media, the ARL website, and event promotion.
  • Help develop marketing and social media plans to encourage community participation.
  • Assist with scheduling rentals, birthday parties, and other event-related activities.
  • Communicate with local businesses, sponsors, donors, and community partners.
  • Learn creative fundraising strategies that support nonprofit events and animal welfare.
What We’re Looking For
  • Interest in event planning, fundraising, marketing, nonprofit work, or community engagement.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Creativity, flexibility, and willingness to help with a variety of projects.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where priorities may shift.
  • Dependable, professional, and open to learning.
  • Availability for some evenings and weekends based on event needs.
Internship Experience

This internship is designed as an opportunity for professional development, learning, and skill building. Events Interns gain exposure to nonprofit event planning, fundraising, marketing, donor engagement, community partnerships, and the behind-the-scenes work that helps make mission-driven events successful.

This is an unpaid internship and should not be viewed as paid employment.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

This internship may involve sitting, standing, walking, event setup and tear-down, moving supplies, and supporting events in both indoor and outdoor settings. Work may take place at ARL locations and off-site event venues.

The role may involve exposure to animals, animal dander, moderate noise, outdoor weather conditions, and busy event environments while following established safety procedures.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the internship experience.

Why Join the ARL?

As an Events Intern, you will help support events that raise awareness and critical resources for animals in need. Your work will contribute to meaningful community experiences while helping fund programs and services that support animals and the people who love them.

If you are enthusiastic, organized, and excited to gain hands-on event experience in a mission-driven nonprofit environment, we would love to have you join our team.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. Applicants are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations as needed.


What Animal Rescue League of Iowa employees say

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