Product & E-Commerce Merchandising Intern

Run Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to empower the entire running community. We are the oldest and largest running organization in Minnesota. Our team is passionate about making a difference in people's lives, and we see running as the vehicle to achieve so much more.

We’re looking for a creative, motivated intern who will contribute to the launch of new apparel lines as well as help to optimize our existing collections. As a nonprofit, our apparel and merchandise serve an important purpose of helping our community to feel connected but also to fundraise. As a result, this project-driven internship is a unique, hands-on opportunity to learn while also helping us reach a new audience and to advance our mission.

Responsibilities:

Create and launch a drop-shipped apparel line for the City of Lakes Half Marathon, an iconic Minnesota event for runners of all abilities.

Collaborate with community partners to bring capsule collections to life that will help us to reach our financial and community goals.

Assist in optimizing Google Merchant Center listings and merchandising of existing products.

Assist with creative direction, product selection, and marketing strategy for the collections launched, as well as improving our existing products.

Learn the platforms and have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from your degree program to real initiatives that help our nonprofit thrive.

Participate in regular virtual meetings to update the team on progress, meet key partners in the community, and go to our events as able/interested to connect with the broader community you will help.

Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in a degree program at any university or college with a major in fashion design, fashion merchandising/business management, apparel, marketing & communications, graphic design, or other relevant programs.

Some prior experience in designing or marketing apparel items can include any projects or relevant coursework.

Passion for running, health & wellness, or healthy community building.

Own a laptop that can be used for the internship with reliable internet.

Able to attend regular meetings and events of interest in person in Minnesota.

Self-motivated with a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.

Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Shopify, Printful, or Klaviyo is preferred but not required.

Interest and preferably some experience in using AI tools (i.e., Jasper, Gemini, ChatGPT, etc.)

Position Information:

Hybrid role that is predominately remote with some need to be in person at events/meetings in the Twin Cities market.

This is a project-based internship, which means there are no set hours, only milestones that are achieved over the course of the program. This program is anticipated to last 8 - 10 weeks, culminating in the soft-launch of the collections online and the official launch at the City of Lakes Half Marathon on September 7, 2025.

We have a collaborative, community-centered culture. This means that the opinion and voice of everyone is heard - including our interns. As a result, interns receive the opportunity to learn and contribute in a meaningful way that will make a real difference.

This role also includes structured opportunities to meet and connect with our key partners, including those in the running events industry and the Twin Cities.

Compensation:

Stipend of $1,000 upon successful completion of the internship.

Invitations and free access to Run Minnesota events, including races, special events, selected partner events, and our member-only events throughout 2025.

Free samples from the collections created or selected items from our existing apparel lines.

Membership to Run Minnesota and all the benefits/discounts that it offers.

Experience of being part of one of the oldest running organizations in the US and lasting professional connections with people who want to help you succeed in your career.

To Apply:

Resume: Include personal contact information, coursework, skills, and any relevant experience.

Cover Letter: Please prepare a cover letter that specifically addresses the following:

What you are looking for in an internship

An idea that you bring to the internship as outlined above

Explain your interest in running, fitness & wellness, or building healthy communities

Portfolio or Samples: Please provide a link to your portfolio or submit any relevant samples you may have that reflect your work, perspective, or experience. If you do not have these items yet, please provide a few paragraphs explaining your creative perspective/strengths as well as identify some of your favorite brands and why you like them.