Events and Operations Internship

Department Head: Kris McKenzie, Interim Director of Events & Operations

Supervisors: Ineke Knudsen and Justin DeGraide, Events & Operations Coordinators

Term: Summer

Compensation: Unpaid. May be used for academic credit, career exploration, or service-learning. Applicants are encouraged to check with their Career Center for possible funding resources from their college or university…

Job Overview:

The WaterFire Events & Operations team seeks an energetic, highly motivated, and detail-oriented student who is a team player, an excellent communicator and loves results-oriented environments. This intern will work directly with the Events & Operations team and will gain hands-on experience in event management. 

This intern will work to prepare for and carry out WaterFire events. Interns will gain knowledge in on-site logistics, in-office coordination, and production facility duties. In addition to working with the Events & Operations team, Interns will also work independently on their Clear Currents group project. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career in Event Management.

Responsibilities: 

Interns will have a breadth of responsibilities at both our office and warehouse space. This position is very hands-on, and each week will be a mix of physical and computer work. Interns will also take part in our WaterFire events in Downtown Providence, to see all their hard work come to life!

• Works on internal event logistics, such as layouts, permits, timelines, rental orders, and staffing
• Maintains records of supply purchases, invoices, and vendor payments
• Assists with coordination and communication with various onsite vendors, in-kind partners, and sponsors
• Maintains supply inventory and upkeep at warehouse space. Some shopping activities.
• Assists with truck loading and unloading for each event
• Assists in event set-up and event strike
• Assists in event management, in both Special Operations Torch Ceremonies
• Sponsor activations and logistics, and staff meals
• Works independently with other interns on the Clear Currents Intern project. Interns will coordinate all aspects of this event, with support from supervisors
• WaterFire is a seasonal event, and responsibilities will vary accordingly per the discretion of WaterFire Providence administration

Requirements and Qualifications: 

• A valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation
• Must be available to work all Full WaterFire Lightings (typically Saturdays) throughout the internship
• Preferred availability for some Tuesday evenings (5PM - 8:30 PM) after each event to assist with the unloading and loading of the event trucks.
• Previous experience with event coordination is a plus
• Be comfortable lifting 50 lbs and standing for long periods of time
• Knowledge of Google Suite (i.e. Google Sheets, Google Docs) and general computer and internet proficiency. Knowledge of Basecamp management software is a plus.
• Have a genuine interest in art, culture, community, and WaterFire
• Have a sense of humor and a positive outlook! We love open-minded thinkers and creatives!

Mission Statement of WaterFire Providence:

WaterFire Providence is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy