500 Festival

500 Festival Volunteer & Community Engagement Internship, Spring 2027

January 12 – June 3, 2027 Supervisor: Lauren Littell. Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator Are you looking to make a BIG impact in the city of Indianapolis? The 500 Festival is looking for interns to help produce the greatest series of programs and events! 500 Festival interns experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis and assist in the planning and execution of 500 Festival events and programs while gaining valuable industry insight.

Hours Requirement: Internship positions are considered full-time, with 40 hours per week requested. In-office work hours are generally 8:30 am – 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 weekly stipend of $500. Stipend will be paid at the end of each month. No relocation or housing assistance is provided.

The 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that was 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:

• Learn about and participate in event set up, tear down, and production of all events and programs (consists of early morning and late nights).
• Assist with coordination and recruitment of volunteers for all 500 Festival events and programs.
• Represent the 500 Festival at assigned external events and tabling opportunities while promoting 500 Festival programs, events, volunteer opportunities, and other community involvement opportunities.
• Connect with community leaders and groups to support volunteer engagement and overall organizational community involvement
• Assist in providing onboarding information to volunteers at all 500 Festival events and programs.
• Support communication with volunteers through newsletters, emails, and online volunteer registration system.
• Help create a positive volunteer experience for all volunteers; encourage retention of volunteers through engagement practices.
• Coordinate projects, organize, set-up and execute Education Program Study Trips and Mobile Trips.
• Assist with meetings, communication and dissemination of relevant information, and other assorted coordination with volunteer committees.
• Collaborate with event professionals and volunteers to develop and manage program and event timelines.
• Provide additional support when needed to other members of the Operations team
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements:

• Interns will frequently work outdoors, which requires physical strength and stamina to endure heat, cold, rain and other conditions.
• Training and/or experience in meeting/event planning, recreation, tourism, marketing, special events or a related field is recommended.
• Possess strong written/verbal communication skills and strong attention to detail.
• Are a team player with exceptional organizational and computer skills.
• Are self-motivated and takes initiative; can manage and balance multiple projects/tasks at one time.
• Demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm.
• Possess a willingness to learn and adjust/adapt to changing deadlines.
• Must have the stamina to work long hours and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which will include weekends and evenings.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

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.