The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is excited to announce openings for three dynamic internship positions. As a member of the Blue Ribbon Foundation team, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience, contribute to major fundraising initiatives, and play a key role in maintaining lasting relationships with donors and sponsors who help preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. (Plus, it’s the Iowa State Fair – so we have FUN!)
Since its inception in 1993, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has raised $200 million through individual contributions, state appropriations, in-kind services, and grants. The internships will provide opportunities to actively participate in and contribute to these efforts.
This is not your typical internship – you’ll take on significant responsibilities and work alongside a passionate team committed to the success of the Iowa State Fair.
Internship Position Details:
- Public Relations Intern
- Key Responsibilities:
- Publicize and coordinate the Iowan of the Day program, including identifying honorees and promoting the program across multiple communication channels.
- Develop and distribute communication materials to promote Foundation events, including press releases, social media content, and flyers.
- Assist with overall public relations efforts to boost awareness of the Foundation’s mission and programs.
- Ideal Candidate:
- Strong writing and communication skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Interest in public relations, marketing, or communications.
Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Donor Relations Intern
- Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and assist with special events for donors, ensuring positive and impactful experiences.
- Draft and send communications to donors, including thank-you notes, newsletters, and fundraising updates.
- Work closely with the corporate sector to ensure accurate and timely donor correspondence.
- Assist with donor database management and track donor engagement efforts.
- Ideal Candidate:
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
- Interest in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit management.
Ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Sponsor Relations Intern
- Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the sponsorship planning process, including marketing, communication, and hospitality efforts.
- Develop informational materials and maintain up-to-date sponsor profiles.
- Help coordinate sponsor activations and ensure sponsors have a positive experience during the Iowa State Fair.
- Assist with tracking sponsor relationships and reporting on sponsorship impact.
- Ideal Candidate:
- Strong organizational, marketing, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Interest in corporate sponsorship, event planning, or marketing.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; design skills (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud) are a plus.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Additional Internship Duties:
- Assist with various social media and marketing initiatives to engage with the public.
- Perform general office duties, including phone calls and email inquiries from potential donors and sponsors.
- Help with database administration and file management.
- Take on special projects based on your individual skill set, such as organizing fundraising auctions, designing event materials, or assisting with merchandise production.
- Availability:
- Available for approximately 8-12 hours per week during the Spring Semester (starting in March) and 40 hours per week during the Summer (early-May to late August). This can be adjusted based on a candidate’s schedule.
- Extended working hours are expected during July 7–13 (for fundraising event) and starting August 1 for the Iowa State Fair.
- Application Process: Interested candidates should submit the following:
- A cover letter
- Resume
- Three references
- Two writing samples (design samples are encouraged but not mandatory)
Send application materials to: Drew Sniezek, Drew@BlueRibbonFoundation.org
Thank you for helping us spread the word on this incredible opportunity to gain real work experience while being part of the Iowa State Fair team. Applications are due November 30.
A special thank you to our 2024 interns – Chloe Hamaker, Jayce Reed, and Lauren McCullum.
