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500 Festival Communications Internship, Spring 2027

Are you looking to make a BIG impact in the city of Indianapolis? The 500 Festival is looking for 12 interns to help produce the greatest series of programs and events! As the Communications Intern, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis and play a key role in bringing 500 Festival events and programs to life - while gaining valuable marketing and event experience.

Hours Requirement: Ideally, the communications internship position is full-time, requiring 40 hours per week; however, we understand communication major's schedules. From January to March, there is some flexibility with scheduling, and we'll work with you and your class schedule on in-office versus work from home days. From April to May, in-office, five days a week, is required. In-office hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Must be willing to work long hours and an irregular schedule, which will include weekends, evenings, and every weekend in May.

Compensation: Intern will earn a full-time weekly stipend of $500. Part-time intern pay will be prorated accordingly. Stipend will be paid at the end of each month. Note: no relocation or housing assistance is provided.

The 500 Festival is a not-for-profit created in 1957 to produce events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. Today, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the nation's largest and most respected festivals, engaging more than half a million people throughout its events and programs each year. Events include the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the 500 Festival Parade, and so many more!

Responsibilities

Primary Focus: Public Relations + Media

• Assist with written projects for media and public relation needs including press releases, media advisories, etc.
• Assist with researching and compiling up-to-date contact lists for media sends.
• Assist with research and outreach for influencer and celebrity involvement and logistics at 500 Festival events.
• Assist with individualized media outreach for various media advisories and press releases.
• Assist with the 500 Festival Parade scripting process: responsible for drafting copy, making edits, and assembling scripts for day-of use by local TV and radio stations.
• Assist with site-management in announcer zones during 500 Festival Parade.
• Assist in outreach for gathering participant testimonials, written and recorded.
• Assist in writing personal interest stories for 500Festival.com and IndyMini.com.
• Assist with brainstorming and drafting content for 500 Festival newsletters.
• Coordinate with the Digital Marketing Intern to post event content to online community calendars
• Coordinate promotions with external companies (i.e., delivering promotional materials offsite).
• Represent and promote the 500 Festival at external events
• Participate in team brainstorms and marketing team meetings

Secondary Focus: Event Operations, Production, + Administration

• Assist with event set up, tear-down, and operational needs during event days (consisting of early mornings and late nights, and every weekend throughout the month of May).
• Ability to work outdoors, a task which requires physical strength and stamina to endure heat, cold, rain and other conditions and elements.
• Attend mobile and study trips throughout the months of March and April.
• Provide input on event recaps focusing on areas of success and improvement at internship completion.
• Other opportunities and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

• Experience in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field is recommended.
• Possess strong written / verbal communication, organizational skills and displays creativity.
• Are self-motivated and takes initiative; can manage and balance multiple projects/tasks at one time.
• Able to keep busy during gaps in project timelines.
• Enjoy writing, proofreading and editing.
• Have strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm.
• Have working knowledge of media and media outlets spanning print, digital and broadcast.
• Have experience writing press materials.
• Have knowledge of AP style and effective branding practices.
• Possess a willingness to learn and adjust/adapt to changing deadlines.

Application Process

• Candidates with directly relevant skills and background are encouraged to apply with a cover letter and resume.
• Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as applications are received.
• Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams or in-person. The format will be determined by the supervisor and based on location and availability.
• We may also consider your application for other positions as part of our recruitment process.

Benefits

• Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis.
• Hands-on industry experience.
• 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.