Community Engagement Intern

The Community Engagement Team at Navy Pier is dedicated to creating inclusive, mission-driven programs that connect people, communities, and culture. Through dynamic partnerships and public programming, the team brings the Pier to life for more than 8 million annual guests, with a focus on accessibility, representation, and meaningful engagement.

The Community Engagement Intern will collaborate with the Director of Community Engagement and broader team to support programs, partnerships, and initiatives through coordination, outreach, event planning and execution, and administrative support. In this role, they will gain hands-on experience in community-centered programming and nonprofit operations. The successful candidate will also assist with research, program logistics, and other duties as assigned.

We are seeking responsible, personable, and professional candidates who will be valuable contributors to the success of Navy Pier’s Resource Development efforts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will support a variety of Community Engagement programs and initiatives, including but not limited to:

• Coordinate and fulfill Community Rides requests, including ordering tickets, packaging materials, and managing the program calendar


• Manage and track donation requests, including assembling and distributing donation packages


• Support Local Soul activations by maintaining calendars and assisting with on-site logistics


• Assist with ordering and coordination of program needs, including signage, food vouchers, and catering for meetings, workshops, and events


• Provide administrative support for key programs such as the BMO Small Business Accelerator Program, including contracts, workshop materials, and food orders


• Schedule and coordinate meetings, including preparing agendas and supporting follow-ups


• Support partnership coordination by tracking payments, collecting Certificates of Insurance (COIs), and facilitating partnership agreements for signature


• Assist with booking and coordination of brand ambassadors and program staff


• Maintain organized tracking systems and calendars across multiple programs to ensure timely execution and communication


• Provide general administrative and operational support to the Community Engagement team as needed

This position is expected to be on-site during their time supporting Navy Pier.

QUALIFICATIONS

Navy Pier is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented, and organized individual. Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Interest in nonprofit work, community engagement, or public programming


• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple calendars, timelines, and tasks simultaneously


• A proactive approach and willingness to take ownership of projects from start to finish


• Comfort working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team environment


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to clarity and tone


• Ability to manage logistics and administrative processes with accuracy and follow-through


• Experience with or willingness to learn tools such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)


• Appreciation for community-centered work and creating welcoming, inclusive experiences

Candidates who may not fit all the qualifications listed above are still encouraged to apply.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Current or recent enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program


• Interest or experience in nonprofit fundraising required


• Be prepared to provide a professional or collegiate reference upon request 

The preceding job description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities of the role and Navy Pier Inc. reserves the right to modify this role at its discretion. 

Navy Pier Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, disability, veteran, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law