Community Outreach and Events Intern

Community Outreach & Event Intern  
Type: Internship from May 12 – September 12, 2025, 15-20 hours per week. 
Location: Based at Active Transportation Alliance’s office in Chicago Loop.  
Environment: Hybrid work environment combination of in-office and remote work.  

About the Position  

Put some real experience on your resume! The Chicago region’s premier transportation advocacy non-profit, Active Transportation Alliance, is seeking a part-time event intern interested in a career in event/sports management, event marketing and production and volunteer management. Interns will gain a well-rounded experience in nonprofit special events, community outreach, volunteer engagement and logistics.   

Learn more about our work at www.activetrans.org. 
 

About You  

You are a community and team builder with a great personality. You value bringing people together and building collective strength. You communicate efficiently in both written and oral communications.  You are an aspiring event manager and would like to learn more about event execution. You enjoy spreadsheets, writing email content and other administrative duties.  

Most importantly you are a kind individual with a sense of humor and strong work ethic!  
 

About the Organization 

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit advocacy organization. Our vision is a Chicago region abundant with walking, bicycling, and public transit options to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities.  In partnership with thousands of members, hundreds of volunteers, and a wide spectrum of community partners, our dedicated team has been working for several decades to create more opportunities for people to travel safely, actively, and enjoyably. 
 

Active Transportation Alliance is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy status, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We work to practice the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in all we do. 

Active Transportation Alliance is a small organization doing big work and that means team members take on projects outside department or role-specific expectations from time to time; we go all in to support each other and our success.   

About the Internship Role — Key Responsibilities  

Administrative/Outreach  

Research and help manage confirmed volunteer groups for Bike the Drive alongside the Volunteer & Event Coordinator   

Recruit youth and organizations for our Youth Scholarship Program  

Manage the Adult scholarship submissions 

Organize volunteer group information using spreadsheets  

Manage the Salesforce Registration duplicates  

Professionally respond to emails and make phone calls in a timely manner 

Event Logistics    

Oversee Zello, a communications platform, and train staff and volunteers on this technology 

Order food and beverages for volunteers and small events   

Assist at our off-site storage unit and occasionally evening & weekend pre-event volunteer shifts 

Event Support         

Assist with the customer service side of volunteer management and community outreach related to Bike the Drive   

Assist with volunteer and exhibitor recruitment and coordination    

Attend all volunteer trainings and present Zello information which may fall on evenings or weekends in August  

Other Duties and Responsibilities  

Attend BTD prep meetings weekly 

Attend and participate in 1 Bike to Work Challenge Celebration Station and 1 Bike Month event  

Participate in Active Trans obligatory organization-wide events and activities.   

Participate in the implementation of Active Trans’ Racial Equity Action Plan.  

About the Paid Position — Key Accountabilities 

Serve as on-site Volunteer Tent Assistant on the day-of-event, Bike the Drive overseeing volunteers, exhibitors, and vendors 

Attend all volunteer trainings and present Zello information and manage the walkie-talkie app leading up to the event 

Attend Waiver Signing Events leading up to Bike the Drive 

Assist Volunteer and Events Coordinator with production errands and customer support 

Execute all final communications and logistical tasks with volunteers  

Assist with Bike the Drive wrap up including Volunteer Appreciation Party, unloading and organization of the ATA storage unit, and assist with payments 

The Must-Haves 

We understand that people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. If you believe you have the skills to succeed in this role, regardless of your professional or educational background, we encourage you to apply.   

A commitment to Active Transportation Alliance’s mission, vision, and goals.    

A passion for the transformational nature of walking, bicycling and transit on social and racial equity, community livability and sustainability; or willingness to learn and embrace same.    

Able to be in-office at least two days a week and other times as needed. 

Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written.   

Ability to successfully multi-task.   

Appreciation for team-based work environments.   

Excellent customer service skills.   

Positive and jovial demeanor  

Energy and enthusiasm for in-person events.   

Interest in event management, volunteer management, marketing, and/or general   

nonprofit work   

Experience tracking items on spreadsheets   

Knowledge of Microsoft Office. 

Preferred Experience   

Prior special events experience, especially with large outdoor events.   

Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.  

Spanish Speaker or bilingual is a plus.  

Physical Requirements   

Ability to lift and carry items up to 50 lbs.   

Ability to operate a computer.   

Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods.   

Ability to stand, walk and be on your feet outdoors for extended periods.   

Ability to communicate and exchange information.  

Position Details  

Start Date: Monday, May 12. Accommodation can be made if your school year ends after this date. 

Term: This is a spring/summer nonpaid internship (May– July) and will be a mix of working remotely and onsite at our office downtown for 15-20 hours per week. 

Other: Upon completion of the nonpaid internship, the intern will begin a temporary paid position for 20 hours a week starting August 4th for 6 weeks including Labor Day Weekend to work on Bike the Drive. The position will end on September 12th.   

To Apply 

Apply at this link: https://activetrans.applicantstack.com/x/apply/a2di6llw9aph/aa0. You will be asked to upload your resume, enter a cover letter, and answer some basic questions.  

No emails or phone calls, please. 

The position will remain open and available until filled.