Kent County Parks Foundation Internship

Special Events and Outreach Internship

Unpaid internship Schedule: 10-15 hours per week. Some occasional nights and weekends may be necessary. Start date and end dates:

Flexible Position Summary: Since 1999, the Kent County Parks Foundation has played an integral role in expanding and enhancing our Kent County Parks. With the help of generous donors, we protect the environment and preserve open space to ensure future generations will be able to enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors in nature. We work collaboratively with the Kent County Parks Department to identify and purchase key properties to add to our park system and to expand our network of inter-community trails. We also assist with capital projects that enhance the facilities at our existing parks. All year long these 38 parks and 4 regional trails are the backdrop for family celebrations, for outdoor recreation, and for simply finding some peace and solace. Special Events and Outreach are key components to our success as it is necessary to build relationships with our park users as well as with individuals and businesses who currently support the parks financially or may have the capacity or interest to do so in the future.

The Special Events and Outreach intern is responsible for planning and coordinating events at a variety of locations that connect current and future donors to our mission. Interns in this position gain experience in essential skills such as creating and managing event work plans, coordinating volunteers, marketing events, as well as post-event evaluation. This position also works closely with KCPF board members and Special Event Committee members who have various leadership roles throughout the community.

Ultimately, the goal of this position is to build networks and relationships to encourage the support of our amazing parks and trails here in Kent County. Interaction with various stakeholders is a necessity, and the person in this position will have the opportunity to meet with and collaborate with a variety of user groups such as the Mountain Biking, Running, Disc Golf, and Hiking communities as well as people in various political positions. It is essential that the person in this position has excellent communications skills and has the desire to connect people to the outdoors.

Education and Experience Requirements Required education, experience, or a combination of education and experience includes, but is not limited to: the use of a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet and database software, creation of letters and marketing materials, documents and memorandum, and records management, including the collection and tracking of data and budgets.

 The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their experience and competence in oral and written communication.  Kent County Parks Foundation reserves the right to utilize equivalencies where deemed appropriate with regard to education and experience requirements. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements  Knowledge of event planning procedures  Knowledge of basic marketing and outreach techniques and tools  Knowledge of basic volunteer coordination techniques  Skill in the use of a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheets, and other software packages  Ability to develop promotional materials.  Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.  Ability to work independently and flexibly, and still meet tight deadlines.

Physical Capacity Requirements This position requires the ability to walk, speak, hear, lift and carry, finger dexterity, and visual acuity. It also requires the ability to lift 10 pounds with occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if necessary, for individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential job functions of the assignment. Environmental Conditions of Position The majority of the work associated with this position will occur in the office environment. Occasional work will occur outdoors in all kinds of weather and in uneven terrain.

To apply, please submit cover letter that addresses your goals for an internship, along with your résumé and a list of three professional references and their contact information to: Kent County Parks Foundation Attn: Kate Meyer 400 Ann St. NW Ste. 210 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 Email: kate.meyer@KCPF.org (email submissions are preferred, but not required)