External Relations, Special Events Internship
The OHIO Alumni Association's external relations intern will work directly with the Assistant Director of External Relations and primarily supports regional alumni group events, alumni-athletic partnership events, and various gatherings for Ohio University alumni. These include Homecoming, On the Green Weekend, Bobcat Bashes, and numerous on- and off- campus alumni events and activities. This position offers the student significant opportunities to build networking contacts, explore several career paths in special event planning, alumni relations and university advancement while developing immediate job skills.We offer a flexible work schedule and are looking for one intern during summer semester 2018, and two interns for fall/spring semesters 2018-19.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The successful candidate will aid the OHIO Alumni Association (OAA) staff in furthering the goals and objectives of its strategic plan and that of University Advancement by supporting the team in effectively communicating with and programming for its diverse group of alumni and friends. Duties include assisting with the planning, execution and staffing of special events, generating publicity and facilitating alumni communication for special programs and events. Other duties as assigned may include managing research, compilation of event materials, management of supplies, and participating in various meetings with internal and external staff. This position will be housed at Konneker Alumni Center with the External Relations team.
The student is required to perform both independently and collaboratively on tasks with significant impact on the success of the OAA. The student is expected to demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, tact, and strong written and verbal communication skills. These skills will be utilized to enhance current and future alumni awareness of services, programs and events of the OAA, which ultimately result in support for the institution.
BENEFITS OF THE POSITION
The student will gain an understanding of potential career paths in alumni relations, university advancement and event planning, while acquiring respectable portfolio samples and interacting with alumni, fellow students, business and community leaders, and university officials. This position provides the student with the opportunity to work independently and creatively to obtain experience in self-management, responsible decision-making, teamwork, task follow-through, relationship building and professional-level job expectations. The student will have frequent opportunities to contribute to special events and programming which have the potential to win nationally recognized awards through the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Further, this position affords the student with significant opportunities to network externally with many of Ohio University's 220,000-plus alumni who are professionally employed in a wide variety of career areas and environments that include corporations, nonprofit institutions, and service organizations, worldwide. This networking offers the student career exploration and job opportunity enhancement.
QUALIFICATIONS
Students entering at least their sophomore year at OHIO and studying in a business, communications, consumer sciences, or other applicable major.The student will also have a desire to pursue a career in alumni relations, communication, special events or meeting planning. A background in interpersonal communication is required. Experience in catering, meeting logistics, organizational development, and public relations are a plus, though not required.