Special Event Intern

Special Event Intern

Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, City of Erie
Duration: Start Date (TBD) 2026 – August 21, 2026
Reports To: Special Events Coordinator / Executive Director, CAFE

Internship Overview

Join the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs as a Special Event Intern and gain hands-on experience in event management within a dynamic municipal environment. This internship offers a unique opportunity to develop practical skills in community engagement, vendor relations, program planning, and event execution while supporting one of Erie’s signature celebrations, CelebrateErie.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate in the planning and coordination of community events and festivals, focusing on vendor relations and program logistics.
• Assist in managing event hospitality, including coordination with food vendors and backstage support to ensure seamless guest and participant experiences.
• Provide on-site support during events by assisting vendors, managing hospitality needs, and facilitating communication among event staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Support the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs team with project management tasks such as scheduling, meeting preparation, and conducting research for ongoing initiatives and projects.
• Attend and actively participate in meetings and community events alongside staff to gain insight into municipal event planning and community outreach.
• Manage administrative duties including answering phones, checking voicemail, and maintaining detailed message logs.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the overall success of the office and its events.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop comprehensive event management skills from planning through execution.
• Enhance communication and interpersonal skills through direct interaction with vendors, community members, and city officials.
• Gain experience in project coordination and administrative support within a government office setting.
• Build a professional network within the City of Erie and community organizations.

Compensation

• Part-time internship opportunity
• Academic credit available (subject to institution approval)

Desired Skills and Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong proactive communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience or interest in event planning and management.
• Creative problem-solving skills and adaptability in dynamic environments.
• Enthusiastic learner with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Excellent customer service and professional writing skills.
• Proficiency in using online project management and communication tools to track and organize tasks.
• Professional demeanor and reliability in meetings and public events.