Events & Fundraising Intern

Powered by Professionals (PBP) is a leading fundraising, consulting, and event management firm that works with nonprofits hosting major events and galas. PBP also includes a corporate division, Powered Events. Our mission is to make the world a better place by connecting individuals, families, and corporations to volunteer opportunities that have meaning to them or by assisting them in creating and managing their own charitable organizations.

We are looking for an Intern to join our team! Responsibilities include working with non-profit clients, board and committee members, honorees, sponsors, and donors.  This position is responsible for working with the PBP Team to exceed each client's goals and manage various aspects of our events, including galas, conferences, cultivation events, runs/walks, conferences, ribbon-cuttings, and more. Our in-person events occur primarily in New York City, though some limited national travel may occur for select events. Successful internships can often lead to full-time positions.

Major Functions/Accountabilities:

• Event Planning & Execution: Assist in the end-to-end management of events, from conceptualization to completion, ensuring they exceed our clients' expectations. You'll be involved in every step of the process, from the planning stages to the day-of execution.
• Partnership & Relationship Building: Help cultivate meaningful relationships with clients, vendors, and partners, working closely with them to achieve shared goals. Your ability to foster relationships will play a crucial role in the seamless execution of our events and the nurturing of future opportunities.
• Fundraising & Financial Oversight: Support engagement efforts with honorees, chairs, and award recipients, driving sponsor solicitation efforts and facilitating meetings to ensure optimal fundraising outcomes.
• Innovation & Adaptation: Embrace technology, recommending and managing the best platforms and tools to enhance event execution and participant engagement.
• Fundraising & Outreach Coordination: Collaborate with honorees, board members, and other event participants on outreach strategies to their networks. Conduct outreach on their behalf, ensuring engagement and maximizing fundraising efforts.
• Data Management & Communication: Assist in managing client data, including event outreach, contributions, sponsor benefits, and invoices. Work with honorees, chairs, and award recipients on mailing lists, sponsor solicitation, meetings, and post-event communication.
• Sponsorship Research & Outreach: Conduct research to identify potential sponsors for events, perform cold outreach to secure sponsorships, and identify connections between your organization and potential sponsor companies.
• Client Acquisition & Relationship Building: Help research and track potential clients, set up pitch calls, and develop pitch decks and proposals. Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients, identifying next steps and opportunities for growth.
• Team Collaboration & Coordination: Work in close partnership with team members across departments to ensure a cohesive approach to event planning, execution, and follow-up.

Requirements: 

This position requires a bachelor’s degree that is completed or in progress, with a preference for seniors graduating in May of this year. Event or fundraising experience is preferred, a strong technical background (comfortable managing and learning new technology) is important, and experience with social media is a plus.

Additional Qualifications: 

• Ability to focus on multiple projects and remain on task for all deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the team while working together on projects, including across hybrid schedules
• Experience with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Canva
• Interest in handling PBP’s social media account, additional graphic design/multi-media experience is a plus
• Excellent planning and time management, and outstanding organizational skills
• Flexible and able to easily move quickly from one project to another
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to work on numerous projects simultaneously
• Comfortable working with a large team and working independently
• Enthusiastic, high-energy and initiative-taking personality
• Team-oriented with a positive attitude
• Able to handle high-stress situations calmly and professionally
• Knowledge of nonprofit organizations and fundraising events is a plus
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Comfortable handling meticulous work that includes focusing on attention to details

Reports to: Vice President of Events and Development; Associate Director of Operations and Events 

Special Instructions:

Please write a cover letter incorporating answers to the following questions:

1. Why you would be a good candidate for this position;
2. What makes you different from other candidates;
3. How is philanthropy important to you;
4. What is your biggest strength;
5. What is an area that you could improve in;
6. If you have experience with any fundraising initiatives or events please elaborate.

The application must include a resume and cover letter to be considered.