Events & Partnerships Internship (Unpaid)

OPERATION SMILE • Virginia Beach, VA

122d

About The Position

Note: This unpaid internship is open year-round and offers flexible scheduling and work options (remote, hybrid, and in-person formats available). Choose from four areas of exposure to best align with your interests and goals. Operation Smile is a global nonprofit specializing in expert cleft surgery and care. We provide medical expertise, research and care through our dedicated staff and medical and student volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits and health systems and supported by our generous donors. Since 1982, Operation Smile has been committed to providing patients with health that lasts through life-saving cleft surgeries and comprehensive care, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak, and live lives of greater quality and confidence. Our training and education programs elevate safe surgical standards and strengthen a global network to reach more people earlier in their lives. Learn more at www.operationsmile.org or by following @operationsmile on social media. Join Operation Smile’s Events and Partnerships (E&P) team and contribute to meaningful initiatives. Gain hands-on experience in event management and corporate marketing with a global non-profit. With four main areas of focus, tailor the experience to align with your interests and career goals. The internship provides skill development in areas such as: advanced research and data management; donor and corporate outreach; relationship stewardship; creative marketing strategies; and vendor and partnership management.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of donor databases.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail in data management.
• Excellent research and communication skills.
• Proactive approach to relationship building.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Strong interest in event management.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, Google Docs, Canva, social media platforms, and online research.
• Experience in data entry is a plus.

Nice To Haves

• Highly motivated, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Self-starter capable of working independently.
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic and a commitment to teamwork.
• Skilled problem solver who can effectively multitask.
• Handles sensitive information with discretion and adheres to privacy policies.
• Quick learner with the ability to adapt to new technologies and software.
• Exceptional customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform data entry for donors, sponsors, and event attendees.
• Research potential donors, corporate sponsors, event attendees, and celebrities.
• Generate reports to support donor development strategies.
• Receive formal BBCRM training and access opportunities for Blackbaud certification.
• Research potential auction items and in-kind donations.
• Contact businesses and corporations to request donations.
• Draft press releases and media pitches.
• Research media outlets and potential partnership opportunities.
• Promote events and partnerships through various media outlets.
• Support social media campaigns and content creation.
• Manage event logistics, including travel and hotel accommodation.
• Take notes during meetings and brainstorming sessions.
• Maintain event documents, spreadsheets, and calendars.
• Oversee event planning tasks, such as materials gathering, shipping, receiving, and inventory management.
• Design promotional materials, including flyers, signage, and presentations.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling and work options (remote, hybrid, and in-person formats available).

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees