NZCBI Special Events Internship

The Office of Special Events within the National Zoo plans and coordinates a variety of events each year, including large-scale ticketed events, staff receptions, donor cultivation events, and corporate dinners, and fundraising events for 501(c)(3) organizations. Additionally, the National Zoo hosts social events including weddings and other adult celebrations. We offer an unparalleled opportunity for students and emerging professionals interested in event planning and coordination to explore the museum and zoo environment while gaining hands-on experience in a highly respected workplace. Interns have the opportunity to strengthen their writing and organizational skills, collaborate with caterers and vendors, and participate in the execution of a variety of special events.

This part-time internship (16-24 hours per week) provides exposure to event planning and development functions, including research and organizational projects, corporate and foundation partnership initiatives, and special event production. Interns will gain hands-on experience while contributing to the planning and execution of the fall signature event season, including Boo at the Zoo, Night of the Living Zoo, and ZooLights.

This internship can be tailored to provide foundational experience for individuals exploring the event production field or expanded for those seeking to further develop existing event planning and management skills.

Questions about this internship should be sent to Leah Rosenberger: [email protected]

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This is a paid internship opportunity wherein the intern will support the Special Events team, which is under the Office of Advancement.

Through this internship, interns will

• Learn how to conduct research on potential vendors and partners for future events.
• The opportunity to engage and communicate with Zoo staff, vendors, event attendees, and members of the public. 
• Learn about decisive problem-solving during events and develop time management skills
• Gain exposure to and participate in the on-site execution of receptions, dinners, conferences, public programming, signature events (Boo at the Zoo, Night of the Living Zoo, and ZooLights), and other special events at NZCBI  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently pursuing a degree or recent graduate in related field of study (e.g., Events Management or Operations, Tourism & Hospitality, Arts or Non-Profit Administration, etc.) 
• 21+ years old
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Outgoing personality and motivation to seek new learning opportunities 
• Available to devote 16-24 hours per week.
• Availability to participate in some events, which could include nights and weekends

STIPEND

There is a one-time stipend of $5,600. College credit is offered if desired; Intern is responsible for obtaining necessary approvals from their university. Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance.

HOUSING

The intern will make his or her own housing arrangements in the Washington, D.C., area.

PARKING

The National Zoo and the Smithsonian Institution do not provide free parking to interns.  

TERM OF APPOINTMENT

The Office of Advancement will hold one internship sessions in the Fall. Each session runs for approximately 16 weeks, based on intern availability. This session will take place September – December. The intern should be available 16-24 hours per week and available to participate at evening, morning, and weekend events on occasion. Reasonable exceptions may be made in order to coordinate with university and work schedules.

This internship spans the Fall session (September – December)

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu. Select "Don't have an Account? Create An Account." Complete the information to create an account.

Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:

• Cover sheet including name, address, phone number, email address, and which internship(s) you are applying for.
• Resume or CV summarizing education (including current academic status) and employment experience.
• A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations.
• Names and contact information (e-mail and/or phone number) for two academic or professional references.

Once you create your account and provide the requested information, you will be prompted to select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:

• Type of appointment: “Internship”
• Unit of interest: “NZCBI – National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute "
• Program: “National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) Internship Program”
• Project: “Rock Creek–Special Events”

Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.”

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact: Leah Rosenberger, [email protected]