About the Position

Put some real experience on your resume! Active Transportation Alliance, Chicago region’s premier transportation advocacy non-profit, is seeking one part-time Outreach & Events intern interested in a career in Events or Athletic management with a focus on event marketing, production and volunteer management. As an intern, you will gain well-rounded experience in nonprofit special events, including helping to produce Bike the Drive, one of the largest bicycling events in the country.

Under the supervision of the Volunteer & Events Coordinator, the Outreach & Event Intern will work with the events team to produce the Bike Commuter Challenge, Chicago Bike Month and Bike the Drive (BTD) which is held over Labor Day weekend. Interns will gain valuable practical experience in outreach and event coordination by working on these events. The ideal candidate will assist with all aspects of outreach, volunteer coordination, event coordination, and day-of-event logistics. Learn more about our work at www.activetrans.org.

Position Details

• Type: Paid internship from May 11 – September 18, 2026, 15-25 hours per week. Accommodation can be made if your school year ends after this date.
• Location: Based at Active Transportation Alliance’s office in Chicago Loop.
• Environment: Hybrid work environment, combination of in-office and remote work.
• Other: 40 hours of work are expected for the week of Bike the Drive which falls on the weekend of Labor Day.

About the Organization

The Active Transportation Alliance (ATA) is a non-profit advocacy organization. Our vision is a Chicago region abundant with walking, bicycling, and public transit options to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities.  In partnership with thousands of members, hundreds of volunteers, and a wide spectrum of community partners, our dedicated team has been working for several decades to create more opportunities for people to travel safely, actively, and enjoyably.
 

The Active Transportation Alliance is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy status, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We work to practice the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in all we do.

Active Transportation Alliance is a small organization doing big work and that means team members take on projects outside department or role-specific expectations from time to time; we go all in to support each other and our success. 

About the Internship Role — Key Accountabilities

Administrative/Outreach

• Research and help manage confirmed volunteer groups for Bike the Drive alongside the Volunteer & Event Coordinator 
• Manage, outreach, recruit, and coordinate Bike the Drive Adult & Youth Scholarship Programs with Divvy
• Coordinate Bike Commuter Challenge prize distribution

Volunteer Support

• Oversee Zello, a communications platform, and train staff and volunteers on this technology
• Order food and beverages for volunteers and small events 
• Serve as on-site Volunteer Tent Assistant on the day-of-event, Bike the Drive overseeing volunteers, exhibitors, and vendors
• Assist with Bike the Drive wrap up including Volunteer Appreciation Party, unloading and organization of the ATA storage unit
• Assist Events Team with production errands and customer support

Event Support

• Assist with the customer service side of volunteer management and community outreach related to Bike the Drive
• Assist with volunteer recruitment and coordination.
• Serve as a Volunteer Tent assistant to Volunteer Coordinator on Bike the Drive.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Attend BTD prep meetings weekly
• Professionally respond to emails and make phone calls in a timely manner
• Attend and participate in one Bike to Work Challenge Celebration Station and one Bike Month event
• Participate in ATA’s obligatory organization-wide events and activities
• Participate in the implementation of ATA’s Racial Equity Action Plan

The Must-Haves

We understand that people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. If you believe you have the skills to succeed in this role, regardless of your professional or educational background, we encourage you to apply.

• A commitment to the Active Transportation Alliance’s mission, vision, and goals. 
• A passion for the transformational nature of walking, bicycling and transit on social and racial equity, community livability and sustainability; or willingness to learn and embrace the same. 
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written.
• Ability to successfully multi-task.
• Appreciation for team-based work environments.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Energy and enthusiasm for in-person events.
• Interest in event management, volunteer management, marketing, and/or general nonprofit work.
• Able to be in-office at least two days a week and increases to three to four days a week in the month of August through Bike the Drive.

Preferred Experience  

• Prior special events experience, especially with large outdoor events.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• Fluency in Spanish

Physical Requirements  

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to operate a computer.
• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods.
• Ability to stand, walk and be on your feet outdoors for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate and exchange information.