Summer Intern - Marketing and Events

Bear s Restaurant Group•Windsor Locks, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Bear’s Foundation is seeking a motivated and community-minded Summer Intern to support a meaningful fundraising and outreach initiative benefiting mental health resources for hospitality industry workers. This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising, community outreach, event support, and hospitality marketing while contributing to an important mission. The selected candidate will help grow participation in the Linked4Life initiative, a partnership supporting Mental Health First Aid training and resources for members of the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association through fundraising efforts connected to the Hartford Marathon Foundation. The ideal candidate is organized, outgoing, reliable, and passionate about community engagement. This is an excellent opportunity for a college student or emerging professional interested in nonprofit work, hospitality, marketing, events, public relations, or community partnerships. The internship is designed to run May through October 2026, though candidates available May through August are also encouraged to apply. There is potential for the role to evolve into a permanent position. The position is based out of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, with a strong emphasis on outreach and event support throughout the New Haven area. JOB SUMMARY The Marketing, Events & Community Outreach Intern will support the Bear’s Foundation and the Linked4Life initiative through community engagement, fundraising outreach, event support, and administrative coordination. The primary focus of this role is helping recruit participation from restaurants, hospitality groups, businesses, and community members in support of the organization’s fundraising campaign leading up to the Hartford Marathon Foundation events in October. Participants may form teams, fundraise independently, or support the cause through sponsorship and outreach efforts. Funds raised will directly support Mental Health First Aid training and mental health resources for hospitality workers throughout Connecticut. This internship provides valuable real-world experience in nonprofit development, grassroots fundraising, hospitality marketing, event coordination, and community relations. The role works closely with the marketing and events team and may also support Bear’s Smokehouse events and catering initiatives as needed throughout the summer and fall season. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, self-motivated, organized, comfortable interacting with the public, and passionate about making a positive impact in the community.

Requirements

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
Must be comfortable traveling locally for outreach visits, meetings, and event support
Proof of insurance and acceptable driving record required
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events
Ability to lift and carry up to 40–50 pounds occasionally
Comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
Ability to assist with event setup, breakdown, and transportation of materials and supplies
Interested in nonprofit work, hospitality, event planning, marketing, fundraising, public relations, or community engagement
Comfortable speaking with business owners, community members, and the public
Organized and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
Reliable, proactive, and self-motivated
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Positive attitude and willingness to assist wherever needed
Students currently pursuing degrees in marketing, communications, hospitality, nonprofit management, business, public relations, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Canva, social media platforms, or event coordination is a plus but not required

Responsibilities

Visit restaurants, hospitality businesses, and community organizations to promote participation in the Linked4Life fundraising initiative.
Help recruit fundraising teams, sponsors, donors, and individual participants.
Assist with maintaining outreach tracking lists, participation records, and fundraising communications.
Represent Bear’s Foundation and Linked4Life at community events, networking opportunities, and outreach meetings.
Support relationship-building efforts with local hospitality groups and community partners.
Distribute promotional materials and assist with awareness campaigns related to mental health initiatives within the hospitality industry.
Assist with planning, setup, execution, and breakdown of fundraising and community events throughout the summer and fall.
Provide onsite support during public events, restaurant activations, fundraisers, and marathon-related activities.
Assist with event logistics, vendor coordination, registration, guest support, and general event operations.
Run occasional errands related to events, outreach efforts, and marketing initiatives.
Assist with social media content, outreach materials, flyers, and promotional efforts.
Help maintain event calendars, outreach databases, and organizational documents.
Assist with compiling participation metrics and fundraising progress updates.
Support marketing and events team with miscellaneous administrative projects as needed.