External Special Events Internship (Summer 2025)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Art Institute of Chicago’s department of External Special Events is excited to host an intern within their operations team to help with a wide range of client-based events happening in the museum.

As the External Special Events Summer intern you will gain experience in venue relations and event day operations. The External Special Events department hosts over 50 events annually within the Art Institute of Chicago’s galleries. From corporate gatherings to weddings and everything in between, the museum is a unique venue with 14 different rentable spaces. Working closely with all members of the department, the intern will have the opportunity to gain insight into a niche industry.

The intern will join a museum-wide intern cohort and have access to a range of programs to support their development in addition to their placement in External Special Events. Mentorship is provided throughout the experience and connections with an intern alumni network will be established.

INTERNSHIP OUTCOMES:

In this position, the intern will have the opportunity to:

• Build experience with systems including TripleSeat, Prismm, and PartySlate;
• Collaborate with Internal Special Events, Levy, Security, Facilities and other departments across the museum;
• Develop social media marketing skills;
• Develop mentor relationships with field practitioners;

• Build peer-to-peer relationships with fellow interns.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

With guidance from the position’s mentors, the intern will be responsible for:

• Assisting in facilitation of special events and meetings
• Attending to regular professional correspondence with incoming and current clientele
• Communicating with exclusive catering partners
• Maintaining the department’s social media presence (Instagram)

• Participating in regular meetings with their department and the position’s mentors: the associate director of External Special Events, the assistant director of External Special Events, and the assistant director of External Special Events operations
• Attending intern cohort professional development programs and museum practice seminars

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate or graduate student; recent graduates (within one year of graduation upon applying) will also be considered
• Applicants must be based or attending school in the Chicagoland area and eligible to work in the US during the summer internship term
• Interest or history in event planning, client communication, or other relevant experience; this could be demonstrated through academic studies, extracurriculars, work, and/or volunteer positions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Professional Suite
• Ease in connecting with others; strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented mindset and strong organizational skills; ability to multitask and be flexibly prioritize when appropriate
• Flexibility with assisting during weekend and evening events

APPLICATION:

You must upload all of the requested materials below (résumé and cover letter) into only ONE pdf document and list your last name and “Summer 2025” in the title of the file (example: [LAST NAME]_SUMMER2025.pdf.) Please upload your materials where asked in the online application.

PLEASE NOTE: You will not be considered if any requested application element is missing.

Application must include the following materials:

• Resume
• Cover letter that addresses the following:

• What attracted you to this specific internship at the Art Institute of Chicago?

• How do you envision this opportunity helping you towards your professional goals?

DEADLINE:

This application will close on Friday, March 7th at 11:59 pm CDT. Selected applicants will be asked to interview via video call approximately two weeks after deadline passes.

INTERNSHIP INFORMATION:

Duration of Position: 10 weeks / June 2025 (start date anytime during the week of June 2–6) through August 2025 (end date anytime during the week of August 4–8)

Compensation: Paid – $16.73/hr – 28 hrs/week – Temporary

Schedule: This is a part-time, 10-week position for a currently enrolled or recently graduated undergraduate or graduate student. The intern will work 28 hours per week, for a total of up to 280 hours over the course of the internship. Work days will occur between Monday-Friday with some weekend or evening availability required; the start date and schedule will be determined upon agreement with the candidate and the host department.

Hourlong virtual and in-person intern professional development programs will be scheduled throughout the internship term that the student is strongly encouraged to attend. These programs will occur during the week; we ask that the intern make this part of their internship schedule.

Format: The internship will occur fully onsite. Due to onsite necessity, applicants based or attending school in the Chicagoland area during the internship timeframe will be prioritized. Internet access and appropriate technology will be necessary to complete this internship, but technological accommodations will be provided by the Art Institute of Chicago.

Number of openings: 1