Special Events InternshipAt — Orange County Ronald McDonald House

Assist with coordination of Orange County Ronald McDonald House signature events.
Must be willing to volunteer occasional evenings and weekends.The special events intern should have a love for special event management, provide outstanding customer service, be an enthusiastic professional and be able to build relationships with internal and external customers.

Event Planning
• Gather information on each special event to achieve quality event productions.
• Conduct research and find resources to help staff make decisions about event possibilities.
• Propose new ideas to improve the event planning and implementation process.
• Contact community partners for in kind donations.
• Prepare invite lists, create/maintain invite database, prepare and send invitations.
• Assist with set up and clean up for events as necessary.
• Prepare nametags, materials, notebooks, packages, gift bags, registration lists, seating cards, etc.
• Close out all events as required.
• Take responsibility for social media pertaining to event.
• Maintain up-to-date event documents including site-schedule forms and action plans
• Procure and organize supplies for events
• Position will shadow marketing department staff, offer input into projects, will be invited to meetings, and may be asked to assist other departments
Qualifications:
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, proof reading skills and speaking.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work assignments from a variety of staff and volunteers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills both in person and by phone, with high professionalism.
• Fantastic customer service ethic and high expectations for quality.
• Proficient using the latest versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and mail merges; email and web searches.

• Work with PR companies to draft, distribute and pitch news releases, media alerts and other stories
• Assist in planning, writing and managing e-blasts and e-newsletters
• Draft, distribute and pitch press releases, media alerts and other stories
• Manage editorial and event calendars
• Design flyers, graphics, evites and other marketing material
• Update the organization’s website regularly
• Create comprehensive database of targeted businesses and community organizations
• Collaborate with staff on new ideas, directions and tools for marketing and communications
• Attend Special Events, live-stream and assist as necessary.

Training:

For this position there will be weekly one-on-one mentor meetings/trainings with the staff supervisor. Intern will shadow marketing department staff, offer input into projects, will be invited to meetings, and may be asked to assist other departments

Learning Outcomes:

1. Event Planning and Coordination:
Understanding the end-to-end process of event planning, from concept development to execution.
Learning how to create and manage event timelines, task lists, and checklists.
2. Budget Management:
Gaining experience in budget development and tracking.
Understanding cost control and resource allocation in the context of event planning.
3. Vendor Relations:
Learning how to identify, select, and negotiate with vendors (catering, venues, entertainment, etc.).
Building skills in maintaining relationships with vendors and contractors.
4. Marketing and Promotion:
Exploring various marketing strategies for event promotion, including social media, email campaigns, and traditional advertising.
Understanding the importance of branding and public relations in event success.
5. Logistics and Operations:
Learning about the logistical aspects of event planning, such as transportation, accommodation, and on-site coordination.
Understanding the technical requirements for events, like audio-visual setups, lighting, and staging.