NZCBI Special Events Internship

The Office of Special Events within the National Zoo plans and coordinates a variety of events each year including staff receptions, donor cultivation events, corporate dinners, and fundraising events for 501c3 organizations. Additionally, the National Zoo hosts social events including weddings and other adult social celebrations.

We offer an unparalleled opportunity for students/individuals interested in event planning and coordinating to delve into the museum and Zoo environment and gain hands-on skills from a highly esteemed workplace. Our interns are given the chance to develop their writing skills, work with caterers and vendors, and staff numerous special events.

This is a part-time (20-30 hours a week) internship to assist with research and organizational activities, corporate and foundation partnership development, and general development support to assist the Special Event teams with their fall lineup of event (Boo at the Zoo, Night of the Living Zoo, Zoo Lights). 

This internship can both be generalized to provide individuals initial experience in this field and specialized for individuals who already have experience in this field.

Questions about this internship should be sent to Leah Rosenberger: RosenbergerLK@si.edu

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
  • Have 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, and other special events at NZCBI 

Qualifications

  • Currently pursuing a degree in related field of study (e.g., Events Management or Operations, Tourism & Hospitality, Arts or Non-Profit Administration, etc.)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Outgoing personality and motivation to seek new learning opportunities
  • Available to devote 20-30 hours per week
  • Availability to participate in some events, which could include nights and weekends

Stipend

There is a one-time stipend of $3,500. 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.

Location

Washington DC

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 holds three internship sessions: Fall, Spring and Summer. The fall session takes place September – December. Spring takes place January – May. Summer takes place May – August. The intern should be available 20-30 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.

Application deadline(s)

Status

Open

Internship Category

Other Offices

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:

  • Basic personal information
  • Professional resume or CV
  • 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
  • Contact information for two references
  • Schedule of availability

Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:

  • Type of appointment: “Internship”
  • Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park”
  • Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program”
  • Project: “Rock Creek-Special-Events (Development/Advancement)”

IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.” Your SOLAA-submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.