SERVICE EVENTS INTERN



Chicago Cares is an award-winning, not-for-profit volunteer service organization that provides opportunities for individuals and business to improve the Chicago community through structured group volunteer activities. Since our inception in 1991, Chicago Cares has contributed more than 700,000 hours of community service through 16,000 projects.



The Chicago Cares Service Events Department is responsible for the development and execution of all one-day service events, which includes the Celebration of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, the Serve-a-thon and custom-created volunteer projects through our Business Shares program (more than 40 projects annually, ranging in size from 10-1,500 volunteers). The Service Events team coordinates all components of these events, from project development and leadership management to bus and catering details.



Start date: October 2007

End Date: January 2008 (with an opportunity to extend, if mutually agreeable)

Hours: 15-20 hours per week with flexibility around projects as scheduled



Internship Summary

Under the supervision of the Project Development Manager, the Service Events Intern will provide support for a fast-paced calendar of custom corporate projects by completing project prep (purchasing tools and materials, warehouse packing and supply delivery and staging) and providing day of event project leadership. The Service Events Intern will lead and supervise volunteers as they paint schools, landscape gardens, lead activities for children or adults with disabilities, create murals, construct bookcases and much more. This is a dynamic, no-two-days-are-the-same, experiential learning opportunity. The intern will be a key member of the Service Events team and make community change possible each day by working hard at work worth doing.



Benefits

• This position offers a unique opportunity to put leadership skills to practice in a dynamic and challenging environment while making it possible for teams of volunteers to make a difference across the Chicago community.

• Opportunity to learn about volunteer project and volunteer management through hands-on involvement

• Introduction to non-profit world through day-to-day work in an active non-profit organization

• Chance to be part of a dynamic departmental team that works closely together to achieve project success

• Small stipend available, as well as mileage reimbursements for project-related travel



Qualifications

• 2 years of college preferred; equivalent professional experience considered

• Experience or interest in non-profit sector; specific interest in volunteer events preferred

• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work with a diverse group of people

• Professional demeanor with excellent verbal communication skills

• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and within a team environment

• Superior leadership skills

• Ability to work occasional weeknights and weekends at Business Shares projects

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds and engage in physical labor associated with loading, unloading and moving project supplies

• Regular access to an automobile as transportation to project sites preferred

• Ability to drive a cargo van preferred



To apply

If you are interested in applying to serve as the Service Events Intern with Chicago Cares, please send a resume and cover letter to Chicago Cares at jobs@chicagocares.org or 300 W. Adams, Suite 300, Chicago IL, 60606.