INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Signature Events Intern

CompanyMake-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois
LocationChicago
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 1, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The Signature Events Intern assists with planning and execution of Make-A-Wish Illinois Signature Events, including logistics for silent auctions and support for online bidding systems. Daily tasks also involve assisting with committee meetings, donor follow-up, and event research.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
141
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
15 hours
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About The Company
For Illinois children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 who are battling critical illnesses, Make-A-Wish Illinois works together with the community to create life changing wishes. Children can be referred by a medical professional currently treating the child, the child's parents/guardians or the child him- or herself. There is no cost to the family. Through the support of generous donors and volunteers, Make-A-Wish Illinois is able to provide hope, strength and transformation to hundreds of children each year. See stories of hope on the Make-A-Wish Illinois social media channels @wishillinois.
About the Role

Description

Chicago, Illinois, United States · Unpaid Internship


This internship provides candidates first-hand experience with planning and execution of Make-A-Wish Illinois Signature Events. The Signature Events Fall Intern assists with internal events throughout the internship cycle.


Daily Assignments Include:

  • Assisting with silent auction logistics and support with our online bidding system
  • Daily work in Microsoft applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Assisting with committee meetings 
  • Assisting with donor follow-up
  • Assisting with event research and solicitations
  • Other duties as assigned

Time Commitment: 12-15 hours per week (hybrid work experience), including at least one weekly in-office working day on Thursdays. The cycle runs from June 4th, 2026, through August 6th, 2026. Official start date is on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, with mandatory in-person intern orientation at 9:30am.

Requirements

Skills and Abilities:

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Strong people skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft applications Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • Ability to work independently/improvise on the spot
  • Desire to contribute to the Make-A-Wish mission

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Coursework in Business, Non-Profit Management, Events Management, Marketing or Communications
  • Graphic Design experience a plus

Additional Requirements:

  • Must be currently enrolled in a college or university academic program
  • Must be able to commute to our downtown Chicago office located at 200 W Monroe St, Suite 1801 Chicago, IL 60606 and be onsite weekly on Thursdays
  • Minimum age for all internships is 18
  • Selected candidates will be asked to participate in a criminal background check

Benefits

An internship at Make-A-Wish Illinois provides a unique opportunity to see how a renowned nonprofit organization runs from the inside. In addition to the learning opportunities outlined in the internship description, interns also have the opportunity to:

  • Participate in connection sessions with each member of our executive leadership team
  • Participate in skill-building workshops and check-ins lead by Human Resources
  • Build working relationships cross-departmentally with staff and fellow interns 
  • Contribute to our mission of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses
  • Receive recognition from supervisor(s) and staff during cycle closeout celebration 
Key Skills
Oral CommunicationWritten CommunicationOrganizational SkillsAttention to DetailPeople SkillsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordMicrosoft PowerPointFast-Paced EnvironmentIndependent WorkEvent PlanningResearch SkillsDonor Follow-UpCommittee Meeting AssistanceAuction LogisticsOnline Bidding Systems
Categories
Social ServicesMarketingAdministrativeCreative & Media
Benefits
Learning OpportunitiesConnection SessionsSkill-Building WorkshopsCross-Departmental RelationshipsRecognition