Marketing & Communications Associate

About Gatton Park

Gatton Park on the Town Branch is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit and land-reuse project transforming a 10-acre asphalt parking lot adjacent to the Central Bank Center into a signature green space that will serve as Lexington’s version of Central Park. Gatton Park will host a number of amenities such as walking trails, an amphitheater, playground and splash pad, dog park, outdoor reading room, public art, among others. The park is under construction and anticipated to publicly open late Summer of 2025, with a projected 1,000,000 annual visitors. For more information, please visit gattonpark.org.

About Gatton Park Internships

The Gatton Park on the Town Branch internship program prepares candidates for careers in parks and outdoor recreation, nonprofit organizations, venue operations, and program/event driven businesses through hands-on experience in marketing, programming, event production, and visitor experience. Interns gain insight into park operations while contributing to real-world projects that impact their community.

Ideal candidates are students or recent graduates in marketing, communications, event management, hospitality, or related fields with strong communication, organization, and multitasking skills. Experience in event logistics, operations, or customer service is a plus. Interns should be adaptable, comfortable with public engagement, and passionate about community spaces.

At Gatton Park on the Town Branch, the guest experience is built on a foundation of warmth, attentiveness, and community connection, inspired by the highest standards of hospitality. Every visitor is welcomed with a smile and a friendly greeting, setting the tone for a memorable and enjoyable park experience. Staff and interns actively seek out guest interactions, offering assistance, answering questions, and creating moments of personal connection. If challenges arise, immediate service recovery ensures that concerns are addressed promptly, reinforcing a commitment to excellence. Body language remains open and inviting, fostering an environment where all guests feel valued and appreciated. Every aspect of the park—from well-maintained trails to engaging events—preserves the “magical” experience of exploration and discovery. As guests depart, they are sincerely thanked for their visit, leaving with not just great memories but a lasting sense of belonging.

As an integral part of Gatton Park, interns receive hands-on training in event and program management within a dynamic, professional environment. This program offers valuable resume-building experience and practical skills applicable to various career paths. If you're eager to learn and make an impact, apply today!

Position Details:

• Location: Gatton Park on the Town Branch, 795 Manchester St. Lexington, Kentucky 40507. Requires reliable transportation to and from Gatton Park.
• Internship Type: Part-time (10-20 hours/wk), paid (academic credit available). This is a paid internship and requires someone located in/near Lexington, KY for the duration of the season.
• Duration: Fall 2025 (Projected Dates: August 4–December 19) with flexible start and end dates.
• Schedule: Varies based on role. Availability for some evening and weekend events is required.
• Internship Positions (4): Programming, Events, Marketing & Communications, and Park Operations & Guest Experience.
• Ideal Candidates: Current students or recent graduates in the fields of parks and recreation, event management, marketing, communications, urban planning, design, hospitality, environmental studies, landscape architecture, customer service, or a related filed, are a plus.
• Requirements: Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. If selected, applicants must pass a criminal background check if 18+, attend an orientation, and be able to lift at least 25 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.
• Benefits: Hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, event planning, and hospitality; professional development in a fun, dynamic environment.

Title: Marketing & Communications Associate

Gatton Park is seeking a dynamic and creative Marketing & Communications Intern to support promotional efforts for this vibrant downtown urban park. The intern will assist with social media management, content creation, event promotion, and community engagement initiatives to enhance the park’s visibility and visitor experience. Responsibilities include drafting social media posts, designing marketing materials, coordinating outreach campaigns, and supporting on-site programs and events. Administrative duties include visitor experience (attendance tracking, surveying, gathering feedback, answering phone calls and general inquires). Ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, possess strong writing and design skills, and have a passion for public spaces and community engagement. This internship offers hands-on experience in digital marketing, branding, and hospitality in a unique outdoor setting.

Reports To: Erica Cook, Director of Programs & Engagement

Hours: 10-20 hours/week (flexible schedule agreed upon in advance)

Compensation: up to $1,000/month paid monthly

Effective Date: Monday, August 4, 2025

Duration: Fall 2025 semester. August 4 through December 20

Internship Tasks May Include:

Social Media & Content Creation

• Draft and schedule social media posts across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
• Capture and edit photos/videos during park events and daily activity for use in promotional content.
• Assist with creating stories, reels, and posts that reflect the park’s mission and events.
• Monitor and respond to comments, messages, and tagged content in coordination with staff.

Event & Program Promotion

• Design flyers, digital ads, and signage using Canva or Adobe Suite.
• Update website event calendar and online community calendars with upcoming events, programs, and announcements.
• Assist with planning and executing marketing strategies for events and programs.
• Create and distribute outreach materials to local businesses, schools, and community centers.
• Help set up, staff, and photograph events as needed.

Community Engagement & Visitor Experience

• Greet visitors at the park and assist with way-finding and information.
• Conduct brief visitor surveys and collect feedback at events.
• Track attendance and engagement during programs.
• Answer phone calls and respond to general public inquiries.

Administrative Support

• Maintain organized digital folders for marketing assets and analytics.
• Help track media coverage and gather analytics from social media and web platforms.
• Assist with administrative support such as, but not limited to, the detailed aspects of recreation administration and operations, programming, events, front desk responsibilities as well as overall facility operations.

Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned as needed to support park operations and programming.

To Apply: Please email a resume or CV, cover letter, and list of 2 to 3 academic/professional references to Director of Programs & Engagement Erica Lynne Cook at erica@gattonpark.org with your desired position in the subject.

Applications are also accepted through Handshake (search Gatton Park on the Town Branch).

Applications and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis from April 21 through June 2, 2025. Finalist candidates will be invited to a concluding interview with their prospective supervisor(s) and the CEO of Gatton Park.