Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) is in search of a Festival Intern to support the Event Coordinator in planning, programming & executing events for the upcoming World of Winter festival from January to March 2022.

This position is ideal for a candidate interested in pursuing a career in event coordinating or production while also making a difference in our Downtown by helping to activate our public spaces.

The upcoming festival will feature 50+ outdoor events, 10+ international art installations, too many ice sculptures to count and tons of pop-up programming all over Downtown Grand Rapids.

The goal of the annual World of Winter festival is to get people outside and enjoy the winter season while bringing life and vibrancy to Downtown GR.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Be onsite for setup, execution and takedown of most festival events and art installations.
  • Support the Event Coordinator with administrative tasks related to the festival.
  • Coordinate logistical aspects of various events.
  • Lead the Movies on the Piazza series in programming, décor & onsite duties.
  • Help to coordinate Pop-Up Performers (street performers) at Downtown locations.
  • Manage vendor coordination, scheduling & correspondence.
  • Work with community partners for programming around our winter art installations.
  • Research programming & décor ideas.
  • Contribute to team effort by participating in other projects as needed.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications:

  • Must be able to work long hours, outside in the cold.
  • Must be able to lift 30 lbs and move equipment.
  • Able to work nights & weekends with a flexible schedule.
  • Efficient with Microsoft Office.
  • Must be highly attentive to details.
  • Excellent written communication skills.
  • Organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multi-step projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to operate and make decisions at a level appropriate to this position.
  • Must have the ability to take directions effectively and work well with others in a collaborative environment, while displaying the capability of working independently with little supervision.
  • Driver's license required.
  • High School education or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Creative, out of the box thinker
  • Social Media proficiency
  • Community organization knowledge
  • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite
  • Experience with event/festival execution

About the Position

How To Apply

  • Send cover letter, resume, references, and portfolio (if applicable) to Megan Catcho at mcatcho@downtowngr.org by December 6, 2021. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Position Environment

The Festival Intern will work partially at home and at the office for all job duties associated with computer work. They will be required to meet with the Event Coordinator weekly to go over tasks, deadlines & upcoming responsibilities. The Festival Intern may be required to interface with business owners, residents, community members, government staff, vendors, and professional service providers from time to time.

They will also be required to work outside, in winter for each of the events assigned, along with the Events Team.

Start & End Dates

  • December 2021 – Mid-March 2022

Schedule

  • The World of Winter Festival Intern will work a flexible schedule of 15-25 hours a week. This will include some evening and weekend hours, with the possibility of even more hours during the festival.

Compensation

  • The World of Winter Festival Intern is a non-exempt employee. Compensation will be $14 per hour worked.

Benefits

  • Employee assistance program

COVID-19 considerations:

  • DGRI's Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan has been developed in compliance with MIOSHA Emergency Rules filed with the secretary of state on May 24, 2021, and remains consistent with current guidance from the CDC.

About DGRI

DGRI's mission is to accelerate Downtown GR’s transition to a best-in-class American city. While a small, yet mighty organization, our growing team works hard with a wide array of community partners to build an increasingly vibrant downtown.

  • GR Forward: DGRI and partners led the development of this award-winning community plan and investment strategy to transform the Grand River into a distinct asset and guide the next generation of growth in Downtown Grand Rapids. Now we are busy making the vision a reality with the Grand River restoration and Calder Plaza revitalization projects on the horizon.
  • The Van Andel Arena, Downtown Market and DeVos Place Convention Center: We helped build the facilities and accelerate the revitalization of Downtown.
  • Movies on Monroe, Relax at Rosa, World of Winter. Yep. That’s us. We strive to activate downtown year-round with events highlighting art, music, culture, and inclusivity. We’ve also expanded Downtown public amenities with a public restroom, dog park, skate park and established a Refreshment Zone to complement and activate our Downtown public spaces.