Community Events Intern

As a Community Events Intern at Make-A-Wish Illinois, you'll play a vital role in assisting with external fundraising events. Your responsibilities will include coordinating logistics for events like the Walk for Wishes, managing outreach calls, and helping set up and debrief events. Additionally, you'll create marketing materials and support community outreach efforts, allowing you to engage deeply with the mission of Make-A-Wish.

To be a successful Community Events Intern at Make-A-Wish Illinois, you should possess excellent oral and written communication skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office. Strong organizational abilities are essential, as you'll manage various event logistics and paperwork. A positive attitude and the ability to work well in a team will also help you thrive in this dynamic environment.

The Community Events Intern position at Make-A-Wish Illinois requires a commitment of 12-15 hours per week. Specifically, interns are expected to work in-office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from early June through early August. It's important to note that attendance at the in-office orientation on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, is mandatory.

This Community Events Intern position at Make-A-Wish Illinois is an unpaid internship opportunity. However, it offers invaluable experience in nonprofit operations and the chance to make a positive impact on children's lives through various enriching projects and events.

Interns at Make-A-Wish Illinois benefit from a unique learning experience that includes skill-based workshops, sitting down with senior leaders, and building relationships with peers across different departments. You'll also gain practical insights into nonprofit work while creating memorable experiences for families and children with critical illnesses.

When answering this question, reflect on your personal motivation for wanting to contribute to the mission of Make-A-Wish Illinois. Speak to your passion for helping children and your enthusiasm for nonprofit work. Emphasize how you hope to gain practical experience while supporting a cause that deeply resonates with you.

When sharing your experience, be specific about the events you’ve planned or coordinated. Highlight any roles you've played in logistics, outreach, or team collaboration. Make sure to detail what you learned from those experiences and how they prepare you for the responsibilities of a Community Events Intern.

Acknowledge the importance of teamwork in achieving common goals. Share examples from previous experiences where you collaborated with a diverse group. Emphasize communication, flexibility, and your approach to resolving conflicts as key aspects of your teamwork skills.

Demonstrate your understanding of marketing strategies by discussing specific channels you would use to promote the event. Mention social media, community outreach, email campaigns, and partnerships with local businesses. Consider suggesting creative ideas to engage the community and raise awareness of the event.

Share your organizational methods, such as using to-do lists or project management tools. Discuss how you assess urgency and importance, and how you communicate with your team about priorities. Highlight your ability to adjust your priorities based on shifting project needs.

Provide a specific example from your past experiences that illustrates your conflict resolution skills. Describe the situation, how you addressed the conflict, and the outcome. Emphasize the importance of understanding different perspectives and fostering a positive team environment.

Align your skills with the internship requirements. Discuss your proficiency in Microsoft Office, strong communication abilities, and any relevant volunteer or work experience. Highlight how your background equips you to support Make-A-Wish Illinois effectively.

Discuss your strategies for identifying potential community partners and how you would reach out to them. Highlight your passion for engaging the community in meaningful ways and how you would follow up with contacts to build long-term relationships.

Express how the internship aligns with your aspirations in nonprofit work, event management, or child welfare. Share how experiences you gain at Make-A-Wish Illinois will contribute to your professional growth and advancement in these fields.

Share your thoughts on how wishes can provide hope, joy, and unforgettable memories for children facing serious health challenges. Emphasize the emotional and psychological benefits of a wish experience and how it fits into the overall care of these children.