Community Outreach & Event Intern  

Date Posted: 3/18/2024 
Type: Internship  
Location: Based at Active Transportation Alliance’s office in Chicago Loop.  
Environment: Hybrid work environment combination of in-office and remote work.  

About the Position  

Put some real experience on your resume! The Chicago region’s premier transportation advocacy non-profit, Active Transportation Alliance, is seeking a part-time event intern interested in a career in event/sports management, event marketing and production and volunteer management. Interns will gain a well-rounded experience in nonprofit special events, community outreach, volunteer engagement and logistics.   

Learn more about our work at www.activetrans.org. 
 

About You  

You are a community and team builder with a great personality. You value bringing people together and building collective strength. You communicate efficiently in both written and oral communications.  You are an aspiring event manager and would like to learn more about event execution. You enjoy spreadsheets, writing email content and other administrative duties.  

Most importantly you are a kind individual with a sense of humor and strong work ethic!  
 

About the Organization 

The Active Transportation Alliance 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. 

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 Responsibilities  

Administrative/Outreach  

• Research, secure and help manage volunteer groups for Bike the Drive alongside the Volunteer & Event Coordinator   

• Organize group information using spreadsheets  

• Manage the Salesforce Registration duplicates  

Event Logistics    

• Professionally respond to emails and make phone calls in a timely manner  

• Research and outreach to organizations and companies for Bike to Work Challenge      

• Recruit youth for our Youth Scholarship Program   

• Manage inventory & ordering of event supplies    

• Order food and beverages for volunteers and small events   

• Occasionally assist at our off-site storage unit and pre-event volunteer shifts 

Event Support         

• Assist with the customer service side of volunteer management and community outreach related to Bike the Drive   

• Assist with volunteer and exhibitor recruitment and coordination    

• Attend event team meetings and all volunteer trainings and present information   

Other Duties and Responsibilities  

• Attend and participate in 1 Bike to Work Challenge Celebration Station and 1 Bike Month event  

• Participate in Active Trans obligatory organization-wide events and activities.   

• Participate in the implementation of Active Trans’ Racial Equity Action Plan.  

About the Paid Position — Key Accountabilities 

• Serve as on-site Volunteer Tent Assistant on the day-of-event, Bike the Drive overseeing volunteers, exhibitors, and vendors 

• Attend Waiver Signing Events leading up to Bike the Drive 

• Assist Volunteer and Events Coordinator with production errands and customer support 

• Execute all final communications and logistical tasks with volunteers  

• Assist with Bike the Drive wrap up including Volunteer Appreciation Party, unloading and organization of the ATA storage unit, and assist with payments 

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 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 same.    

• Able to be in-office at least two days a week and other times as needed. 

• Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written.   

• Ability to successfully multi-task.   

• Appreciation for team-based work environments.   

• Excellent customer service skills.   

• Positive and jovial demeanor  

• Energy and enthusiasm for in-person events.   

• Interest in event management, volunteer management, marketing, and/or general   

• nonprofit work   

• Experience tracking items on spreadsheets   

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office. 

Preferred Experience   

• Prior special events experience, especially with large outdoor events.   

• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.  

• Spanish Speaker or bilingual is a plus.  

Physical Requirements   

• Ability to lift and carry items up to 50 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.  
   

Position Details  

• Start Date: Wednesday May 8th. Accommodation can be made if your school year ends after this date. 

• Term: This is a spring/summer internship (May– July) and will be a mix of working remotely and onsite at our office downtown for 15-20 hours per week. 

• Other: Upon completion of the internship, the intern will begin a temporary paid position for 20 hours a week starting July 29th for 7 weeks including Labor Day Weekend to work on Bike the Drive. The position will end on September 13th. 

To Apply 

• Apply here. You will be asked to upload your resume, enter a cover letter, and answer some basic questions.  

• No emails or phone calls, please. 

• The position will remain open and available until filled.