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National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Emerging Events Intern

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Watertown, MA, United States


An internship with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting.

The Emerging Events Intern will play a crucial role in driving fundraising and event success by supporting the recruitment and engagement of participants for a diverse portfolio of events across the country. This hybrid/remote internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fundraising, marketing, and event management.

This Intern will need to be based in Waltham, MA (Boston area) or Denver, CO or surrounding areas to support occasional weekend events.
Key Responsibilities

  • Fundraising and Acquisition (60%)
    • Community Outreach: Engage with local businesses, community groups, and organizations to generate excitement and support for Emerging Events.
    • Media Relations: Collaborate with local media to secure press releases, advertisements, and calendar listings.
    • Grassroots Marketing: Develop and execute innovative grassroots marketing campaigns to reach potential participants and donors.
    • Sponsor Acquisition: Identify and engage with potential corporate sponsors and vendors to secure in-kind donations.
  • Relationship Development (30%)
    • Data Management: Maintain accurate records of participant information, donations, and event expenses.
    • Engage fundraisers through phone calls, texts, emails, and social media.
    • Assist in the recruitment, cultivation, engagement, and retention of participants for various events.
    • Implement cultivation tactics to increase participant fundraising and deepened engagement.
    • Support in-person events to recruit and recognize key constituents
  • Event Planning and Execution (10%)
    • Event Logistics: Assist in planning and executing event logistics for key constituents; Top Fundraisers and Teams
    • Participant Experience: Enhance the participant experience by developing engaging activities, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and providing excellent customer service.
    • Post-Event Analysis: Analyze event data to identify areas for improvement and inform future event planning.
Learning Objectives
  • Develop a deep understanding of fundraising principles and techniques.
  • Gain practical experience in grassroots marketing and community outreach.
  • Enhance skills in event planning, execution, and evaluation.
  • Improve communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Foster a passion for social impact and nonprofit work.
Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing a degree as a Junior or Senior in college or any year in graduate school.
  • Open to all majors, with a preference for Communication, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Relations, Non-Profit Management, or related fields
  • Motivated to build relationships on behalf of Society via community outreach through phone calls, emails, and in-person visits.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively.
  • Creative and innovative thinker with a passion for events and fundraising.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace.
  • Experience with social media and digital marketing tools.
  • Ability to work 10-12 weeks, 15-20 hours per week.
  • Occasional travel may be required for event preparation and execution.
  • Access to reliable internet for remote work.
What We Will Offer:

We are dedicated to your personal and professional growth while you work with us and beyond. Here are some of the things you can expect as an intern with our organization.
  • Networking and professional development sessions with other interns across the organization
  • Mentoring from Society staff dedicated to the internship program.
  • The opportunity to uncover and leverage your strengths through Clifton Strengths assessment & evaluation.
  • We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that brings the power of diversity to life through our Employee Resource Groups "ERGs", Inclusive Voices, Society Pride, Workability and Military Community Network . Our ERGs are dedicated to supporting the continued development of your professional and leadership skills.
  • Continued networking and engagement opportunities via our LinkedIn group for Past and Present interns
  • Opportunity to learn about multiple sclerosis and work with the leading national organization supporting people impacted by MS.


The hourly rate for internships is $15, except when noted differently above OR where local minimum wage exceeds that figure, in which case the hourly rate will be the higher of the two. If you are unable to be paid for this internship due to outside funding or other directives from your educational institution - please let your hiring manager know AFTER you have been identified as the final candidate.

About the National MS Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a national Non-Profit that exists because there are people with MS. Our vision is a world free of MS. Everything we do is focused so that people affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.