Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Events & Programs Intern
Reports to: Events & Programs Manager
FLSA Status: Part-time (10-15 hours/week), Unpaid
Schedule: Monday – Friday (Flexible hours), Currently Hybrid (subject to change)
Why this job?
- Parking Allotment or MTS Transit Pass
- Opportunity to gain firsthand experience in a nonprofit environment
- Exposure to external stakeholders, community partners, and civic leaders
- Develop professional skills in event planning, event logistics, and stakeholder engagement
- Be part of a mission-driven organization making a visible impact in Downtown San Diego
Position Summary
Under the guidance and supervision of the Director of Events and the Events & Programs Manager, the Events & Programs Intern will participate in a structured learning experience focused on nonprofit event planning and execution at the Downtown San Diego Partnership. The intern will observe, assist, and support staff-led activities related to signature events and member mixers, with an emphasis on professional development and skill-building rather than independent responsibility.
This opportunity is designed for a detail-oriented, creative, and highly motivated individual who is interested in learning about the full lifecycle of nonprofit event planning, from concept through execution. The internship is intended to provide exposure to hospitality and event operations within a mission-driven organization.
*This is an unpaid, temporary, volunteer internship and does not create an employment relationship. There is no expectation of wages or future employment.*
Essential Position Activities
Events & Programs (Primary Focus):
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Observe and assist the Events & Programs Manager in the planning and preparation of Signature Fundraising Events and Member Mixers as part of a supervised learning experience.
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Support staff during events by assisting with day-of logistics under direct supervision, such as setup support and guest check-in, as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Learn how event registration is tracked by assisting staff with reviewing registration reports within the CRM system.
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Assist staff with maintaining event-related web pages by helping upload logos and update event details, under guidance.
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Observe and support staff efforts to coordinate sponsor benefits (such as logo placement and guest registration) to gain an understanding of sponsorship management in nonprofit events.
Administrative Support (Secondary Focus):
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Assist with general administrative tasks on a limited basis as part of learning how event projects are organized and supported.
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Learn about organizational operations by following established Partnership policies and procedures while participating in the internship.
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Use organizational equipment and software only as directed and under supervision for internship-related learning activities.
**Please note that activities may evolve over the course of the internship to support learning goals and exposure to different aspects of nonprofit event work. **
Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities
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High school diploma or GED. BA in Hospitality, Communications, Meeting
& Event Planning, Business Management, or similar field of study (students currently pursuing these areas of study strongly encouraged to apply)
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Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, Outlook, Zoom
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Proficient in a variety of graphic design software’s (Canva, Wordpress, Constant Contact)
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Valid U.S. Driver’s License & clean driving record (preferred)
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Quick learner, detail-oriented, and excellent communication skills (written & verbal)
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Ability to navigate meetings with stakeholders via Microsoft Teams and various electronic platforms
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Ability to read and write in English; bilingual or multilingual a plus
Core Attributes
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Outstanding customer service
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Organized and detail oriented
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Proactive
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Team player
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Flexible
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Ethical
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Upbeat and go-getter attitude
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Eager to learn
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Out-of-the-box thinker
About the Downtown San Diego Partnership
The Downtown San Diego Partnership (DSDP) serves as the leading advocate for the economic vitality and growth of Downtown San Diego. We are a member-based, nonprofit organization with nearly 300 members, representing a variety of business sectors including real estate, technology, banking, law, defense, insurance, communications, energy, and tourism. Our members are committed to creating a vital and vibrant urban center that benefits the entire San Diego region.
In addition, we manage the Property and Business Improvement District (also called our Clean & Safe Program), City Center Business Improvement District (BID) and three Charitable Foundations. Through these programs, we provide enhanced services in maintenance, safety, and beautification within 275 blocks in Downtown, support business promotion and retention, and improve the quality of life within our community. These programs provide an annual contractual budget of approximately $9.3M annually.
Clean & Safe is committed to serving the following neighborhoods: City Center, Columbia, Cortez Hill, East Village, Gaslamp Quarter and Marina that make up Downtown San Diego. The 24/7 Operations consists of maintenance services along the public right of way, beautification efforts along with security and outreach services. This includes: Sweeping, trash removal, doggy bag dispenser refill, tree trimming, pressure washing, graffiti, gum and sticker removal. The Clean & Safe Operations is committed to providing great customer service along with providing a cleaner and safer downtown to our stakeholders and residents. To learn more about our work in these areas, please visit: https://downtownsandiego.org/
Our signature fundraising events raise funds for our Downtown San Diego Partnership Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that is dedicated to enhancing the community and fostering growth in Downtown San Diego through initiatives that connect individuals experiencing homelessness with housing, shelter services, and long-term support.
Our Values
Deliver excellent service: We strive to provide exceptional customer service through listening to our customers, providing efficient services, and innovative solutions resulting in value for our many stakeholders.
Be fun and open-minded with a quirky sense of creativity: We work hard but take time to celebrate our collective achievements and realize there's always more than one perspective to consider when approaching a challenge.
Pursue growth and learning: We invest in our people so they can continue to build skills and perspectives that enrich the work we do.
Build honest relationships and communication: We believe honesty leads to strong relationships built on a foundation of trust.
Nurture a safe work environment: We have a collective commitment to emphasize safety over competing goals to ensure the protection of people and our environment.
Inclusiveness and diversity: We honor the inherent value of every individual’s unique story, experience, and perspective. We strive to amplify the voices of our staff, community, and stakeholders and to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can contribute one’s authentic self.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At the Downtown San Diego Partnership, we are an organization that attracts and empowers diversity throughout our workplace and in the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the whole person and the lived experience that makes each of us unique. We strive to foster a safe environment, both internally within our organization and externally towards the communities we engage with, in which we encourage all voices to be heard and amplified as needed. We know our strengths come from championing our differences and acknowledge that each person deserves a voice and a seat at the table. Our ability to feel or be united through inclusion will result in better discussions, decisions, and outcomes that will allow us to advance the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of Downtown San Diego.
Downtown San Diego Partnership is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful environment for all participants, including interns and volunteers. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.