Walk MS Intern

An internship with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting.

The Walk MS Intern will play a key role in supporting the local operational plan, managing a portfolio of participants, teams, and in-kind partners to achieve fundraising goals and ensure a seamless event experience. Success in this role requires excellent relationship-building skills, a proactive and positive attitude, and a strong commitment to teamwork. This is a remote/hybrid paid internship available for Spring 2025 (January/February start, May/June end - not to exceed 200 hours total), offering hands-on experience in fundraising and event coordination within a dynamic non-profit environment.

This Intern would preferably be based in the Minneapolis or Chicago Metros or surrounding areas.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Engagement (50%)

• Engage and Communicate: Connect with participants through phone calls, emails, and text messages to maintain ongoing communication.
• Recruitment & Retention: Assist in recruiting new participants and teams and develop strategies to enhance retention and long-term engagement.
• Fundraising & Involvement: Implement targeted strategies to boost participant fundraising efforts and deepen involvement with the organization’s initiatives.
• Data & Inventory Management: Assist with data entry, maintain accurate records within a constituent relations management system, and manage inventory for event-related materials.
  
  

Event Planning and Execution (30%)

• Event Support: Assist in planning and executing key event elements, with a focus on the Top Fundraiser Area and in-kind solicitation/activation.
• On-Event Coordination: May attend local events and manage logistics for the Top Fundraiser Area on event day, including, setup, registration, and volunteer coordination, dependent upon location to event site.
• Post-Event Support: Contribute to post-event follow-up, including analysis and reporting on key outcomes.
  
  

Community Outreach (20%)

• Business & Organization Engagement: Reach out to local businesses and community organizations to promote events and foster partnerships.
• Promotional Materials: Create, distribute, and manage promotional materials to increase event visibility and engagement within the local community.
  
  

Learning Objectives

• Participant Engagement & Relationship Management: Build skills in fostering relationships with participants, ensuring ongoing engagement, and cultivating long-term connections.
• Event Planning & Execution: Gain hands-on experience in organizing and executing events, from planning stages to successful completion.
• Communication & Marketing: Enhance written and verbal communication skills while learning how to market initiatives and engage with diverse audiences.
• Non-Profit Operations & Fundraising: Develop a deeper understanding of how non-profit organizations operate, with a focus on peer-to-peer fundraising strategies and donor relations.
  
  

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree as a Junior or Senior in college or any year in graduate school.
• Open to all majors, with a preference for Communication, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Relations, Non-Profit Management, or related fields.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work 10-12 weeks, 15-20 hours per week (hours may vary).
• Occasional travel may be requested for local event preparation and execution.
• Access to reliable internet (required for remote or hybrid positions)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software for e-mail, document, and spreadsheet creation/management.
• Comfortable with community outreach through phone calls, emails, and in-person visits.
  
  

What We Will Offer

We are dedicated to your personal and professional growth while you work with us and beyond. Here are some of the things you can expect as an intern with our organization.

• Networking and professional development sessions with other interns across the organization
• Mentoring from Society staff dedicated to the internship program.
• The opportunity to uncover and leverage your strengths through Clifton Strengths assessment & evaluation.
• We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that brings the power of diversity to life through our Employee Resource Groups “ERGs”, Inclusive Voices, Society Pride, Workability and Military Community Network . Our ERGs are dedicated to supporting the continued development of your professional and leadership skills.
• Continued networking and engagement opportunities via our LinkedIn group for Past and Present interns
• Opportunity to learn about multiple sclerosis and work with the leading national organization supporting people impacted by MS.
  
  

The hourly rate for internships is $15, except when noted differently above OR where local minimum wage exceeds that figure, in which case the hourly rate will be the higher of the two.  If you are unable to be paid for this internship due to outside funding or other directives from your educational institution – please let your hiring manager know AFTER you have been identified as the final candidate. 

About The National MS Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a national Non-Profit that exists because there are people with MS. Our vision is a world free of MS. Everything we do is focused so that people affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.