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Event Planning 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 ...

StoneX

Planner, Global Events

West Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of successfully managing all aspects of event planning and execution, while coordinating across multiple stakeholders, vendors, and business ...

City of Independence

Intern (Unpaid)

Independence, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... event planning. * Finance & Human Resources: Learning the internal operations that keep our municipality running. What We Value We are looking for interns who possess the following traits:

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Event Planning Internship information

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How much do event planning internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for event planning internship 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 an event planning internship?

An Event Planning Internship is a temporary position designed to give students or recent graduates hands-on experience in organizing and managing events. Interns typically assist with tasks such as coordinating logistics, communicating with vendors, supporting marketing efforts, and helping with event setup and breakdown. This role allows interns to gain valuable industry knowledge, develop project management skills, and build a professional network. Event planning internships are often offered by event planning companies, non-profits, corporations, or venues. The experience is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in event management or hospitality.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to handle during an event planning internship?

As an Event Planning Intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks, including researching venues, contacting vendors, coordinating event logistics, and supporting on-site event execution. Interns often help with guest list management, creating event materials, and assisting with event promotion through social media or email campaigns. You'll work closely with both the event planning team and external partners, gaining hands-on experience in all stages of event development. This role provides valuable exposure to teamwork, time management, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an event planning intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Event Planning Intern, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of event coordination, often supported by coursework in hospitality or communications. Familiarity with event management software such as Cvent or Eventbrite, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office, is commonly required. Excellent communication, multitasking, and teamwork skills help interns effectively interact with vendors, clients, and colleagues. These skills ensure smooth event execution, proactive problem-solving, and positive experiences for all participants.

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

AspectEvent Planning InternshipEvent Coordinator
Required CredentialsOften pursuing or recent graduates; minimal certifications neededSome experience; certifications like CMP can be advantageous
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, often in offices or event sitesFull-time role, hands-on event management, on-site and office work
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by event planning companies, nonprofits, corporate event teamsEvent planning firms, corporate event departments, venues

The main difference is that an Event Planning Internship is an entry-level, learning position often held by students or recent graduates, while an Event Coordinator is a full-time professional responsible for executing and managing events. Internships provide foundational experience, whereas coordinators handle the planning and execution of events independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Event Planning jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Event Planning jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Event Planning Internship jobs in Iowa?

For Event Planning Internship jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Event Planning Internship jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Event Planning Internship jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Event Planning Internship jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Event Planning Internship job openings:

Event Planning Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Planning Internship job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,924 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Events Intern

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees

3.3

Company rating: 3.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

776th of 781 rated non-profit organizations

Learn more about Animal Rescue League Of Iowaexternal

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

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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