500 Festival
Event & Program Operations Internship - Spring 2027
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, USPosted 1 Sept 2026 500 Festival Event & Program Operations Internship (3 positions available) - Spring 2027 (January 12 – June 3, 2027)Are you looking to make a BIG impact in the city of Indianapolis? The 500 Festival is seeking our next class of interns to help produce one of the nation's greatest series of community events! As a 500 Festival intern, you won't just observe - you'll play a hands-on role in planning and executing events that bring joy to more than half a million people each year and celebrate the legacy of the Indianapolis 500.This listing covers three separate internship tracks within our Operations team (see Internship Areas of Focus section below). Candidates interested in any or all the outlined positions should apply via this listing.Internship DetailsDates: January 12 - June 3, 2027Hours: Full time, approx. 40 hours/week (8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday). Extended hours, evenings, weekends and all weekends in May are required.Compensation: $500/week stipend, paid monthly (no relocation or housing assistance provided)About the 500 FestivalFounded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces life-enriching events and programs celebrating the spirit of the Indianapolis 500. From the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon to the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade, our events unite the community, elevate civic pride, and showcase Indianapolis on a national stage. Each year, more than 500,000 people engage with the 500 Festival through our events and programs.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Internship Areas of FocusBelow are the three Operations Internship tracks available for Spring 2027. Each intern will work directly with the listed supervisor, focusing on the events and programs in their portfolio while also supporting other 500 Festival events throughout the season.Track 1 - Sara Adams, SVP of ProgramsLucas Oil 500 Festival Parade500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc.500 Festival Kickoff to May, presented by STAR BankTrack 2 - Glenn Amos, SVP of OperationsIU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndyThe American Legion 500 Festival Memorial ServiceTrack 3 - Michael Spagnolli, Program & Event Manager500 Festival Indy Mini ExpoJPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids’ Day__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Position OverviewResponsibilities Assist with the planning and logistical execution of assigned 500 Festival events and programsSupport the development and implementation of event timelines, checklists, and production schedulesCoordinate with internal departments (marketing, registration, strategic partnerships, etc.) to ensure event needs are metCommunicate with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to confirm event logistics and deliverablesHelp manage event inventory, supplies, and equipment, including preparation, transportation, and on-site setupParticipate in on-site event production for all events and programs, including setup, operations, troubleshooting, and teardownAssist with drafting event materials, such as operations manuals, maps, and run-of-show documentsConduct post-event evaluations and support reporting, debriefs, and analysisProvide general administrative support to the Operations team and supervisors as neededServe as an ambassador for the 500 Festival, providing excellent customer service and promoting a positive experience for participants and guestsProvide additional support when needed to other members of the Operations teamOther responsibilities as assignedRequirementsTraining or experience in event planning, recreation, tourism, marketing, special events or a related field is recommended.Proactive with various details of assigned events.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Highly organized, proactive and collaborative.Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours in May.Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed for event setup/teardown.Application ProcessApply with a cover letter and resume.Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is encouraged.Interviews will be conducted virtually or in-person, depending on applicant availability and location.Applicants may be considered for other internship tracks based on interests and skills.BenefitsHands-on, professional experience in large-scale event production.Behind-the-scenes access to the Month of May in Indianapolis.Networking opportunities with civic leaders, sponsors, and event professionals.500 Festival branded apparel.Two tickets to the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade.Two tickets to the 111th Running of the Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge.Are you looking to make a BIG impact in the city of Indianapolis? The 500 Festival is seeking our next class of interns to help produce one of the nation's greatest series of community events! As a 500 Festival intern, you won't just observe - you'll play a hands-on role in planning and executing events that bring joy to more than half a million people each year and celebrate the legacy of the Indianapolis 500.This listing covers three separate internship tracks within our Operations team (see Internship Areas of Focus section below). Candidates interested in any or all the outlined positions should apply via this listing.Internship DetailsAbout the 500 FestivalFounded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces life-enriching events and programs celebrating the spirit of the Indianapolis 500. From the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon to the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade, our events unite the community, elevate civic pride, and showcase Indianapolis on a national stage. Each year, more than 500,000 people engage with the 500 Festival through our events and programs.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Below are the three Operations Internship tracks available for Spring 2027. Each intern will work directly with the listed supervisor, focusing on the events and programs in their portfolio while also supporting other 500 Festival events throughout the season.Track 1 - Sara Adams, SVP of ProgramsTrack 2 - Glenn Amos, SVP of OperationsTrack 3 - Michael Spagnolli, Program & Event Manager__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Responsibilities RequirementsApplication ProcessBenefits
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