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Event Planner Internship Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa

Events Intern

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

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 ...

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Event Planner Internship information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$28

$41

How much do event planner internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for event planner internship in Iowa is $28.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to gain experience as an event planner internship?

To gain experience as an event planner intern, seek internships or volunteer opportunities that involve planning and coordinating events. Developing skills in organization, communication, and familiarity with event management tools like software or spreadsheets can enhance your qualifications. Gaining hands-on experience and building a professional network are key steps in entering the field.

Is there a demand for event planner internships?

Yes, there is steady demand for event planner internships as companies and organizations seek entry-level talent to assist with event coordination, logistics, and planning. Internships provide valuable experience in project management, vendor communication, and event execution, making them a common stepping stone into the event planning industry.

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

AspectEvent Planner InternshipEvent Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college education; some internships may require coursework in event managementHigh school diploma; relevant experience or certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in event planning firms or corporate events, with supervisionFull-time or part-time roles in event venues, corporate settings, or agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies to train and evaluate potential future employees; common in event planning industryProfessional role responsible for executing event plans, coordinating vendors, and managing logistics

While both roles involve supporting event planning activities, an Event Planner Internship is a temporary learning position aimed at gaining experience, whereas an Event Coordinator is a full-time professional responsible for managing and executing events. Internships serve as entry points, often leading to full-time roles like Event Coordinator.

What are some common challenges faced by event planner interns, and how can they overcome them?

Event planner interns often face challenges such as managing tight deadlines, juggling multiple tasks, and adapting to last-minute changes. Effective time management and clear communication with team members can help interns stay organized and handle unexpected issues. Additionally, being proactive and seeking feedback from experienced planners can accelerate learning and build confidence in managing events. Embracing flexibility and a positive attitude will also help interns thrive in the fast-paced environment typical of event planning.

How do you become an event planner internship?

To become an event planner intern, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should develop skills in organization, communication, and time management. Pursuing relevant coursework or a degree in hospitality, marketing, or event management can be beneficial, and gaining experience through volunteering or assisting with events helps build practical skills. Familiarity with event planning tools and certifications like Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) can also enhance prospects.

What does an event planner intern do?

An Event Planner Intern supports event coordinators and managers in organizing and executing events such as conferences, weddings, meetings, and corporate functions. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with logistics, researching venues and vendors, coordinating schedules, communicating with clients, and helping with on-site event setup and breakdown. This internship provides hands-on experience in project management, teamwork, and client relations, making it a valuable stepping stone for a career in event planning.

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 should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of event management principles, often supported by coursework in hospitality or related fields. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite is typically expected. Excellent communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities help interns stand out in coordinating logistics and client interactions. These skills enable effective event execution, client satisfaction, and the ability to handle unexpected challenges in a dynamic environment.

What are the qualifications to get an event planner internship?

The qualifications that you need to get an event planner internship vary based on the client and the event type they usually coordinate, such as a wedding or convention. Many event planning internship opportunities are only open a recent graduate or student actively enrolled in a postsecondary program. Relevant degree programs include marketing, public relations, or communications. Other employers prefer candidates with experience in event coordination or hospitality. The responsibilities of an intern are to help prepare and organize an event on behalf of a client or venue.

More about Event Planner Internship jobs
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 Internship jobs in Iowa? For Event Planner Internship jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Event Planner Internship jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Event Planner Internship jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Event Planner Internship jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Event Planner Internship job openings:
Event Planner Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Planner Internship job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,489 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Events Intern

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 28 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

761st of 767 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

Pay

Hours and flexibility

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