Development Events - 2026 Summer Intern

Job Summary

This seasonal Events Intern role supports the Development & Advancement team during a high-volume summer period, assisting with the coordination and execution of donor engagement activities. The position helps ensure continuity of event operations and provides additional capacity to meet increased program demands.

Job Description

Are you an energetic, detail-oriented professional who is passionate about event planning, nonprofit fundraising, and ocean science? Join WHOI’s Development & Advancement Events Team for an exciting summer internship where you’ll gain hands-on experience in event coordination while supporting one of the world’s leading ocean research institutions!

The Development Events Team supports the day-to-day operations of WHOI Development and Advancement to ensure creative and engaging opportunities for our supporters. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is hiring a paid Summer Intern to work as part of our fast-paced, highly successful fundraising team in Woods Hole, MA.

This is an onsite, part-time, non-exempt position and is eligible for limited benefits. This internship opportunity is made possible through the support of our donors, whose contributions help empower the next generation of researchers and innovators. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Collaborate with the events team to plan, organize, and execute a wide variety of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale engagement opportunities, ensuring smooth and successful experiences.

• Accompany the events team to both internal and external events, providing on-site support and gaining hands-on experience in event coordination and execution.

• Support logistical and administrative tasks, including scheduling, coordinating with vendors, and assisting with event preparations to ensure all details are in place.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date event records in the Development database, ensuring seamless tracking of event details, contacts, and follow-ups.

• Contribute to the creative process, assisting with brainstorming and decision-making to bring fresh, innovative ideas to event themes, designs, and presentations.

• Attend planning meetings with the events team to discuss and strategize upcoming events, providing input and gaining insight into event planning processes.

• Collaborate closely with Development colleagues to ensure alignment on event goals, logistics, and donor engagement strategies.

• Provide ad-hoc support at events, including tasks such as guest list management, guest check-in, delivering event materials, and ensuring events run smoothly from start to finish.

• Assist with event setup and teardown, helping ensure everything is efficiently organized and that events are dismantled in an orderly manner.

• Ensure timely delivery of all branded event materials, making sure that everything arrives as scheduled for a polished and professional presentation.

MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled or recently graduated from an accredited community college or university program pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., communications, marketing, nonprofit, hospitality, event planning, business or related disciplines

• Flexible schedule—ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed to support events and engagements

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and eager to learn event management software to support planning and logistics.

• Professional & confident communicator—comfortable engaging with donors and event partners

• Interest in nonprofit fundraising, event planning and/or ocean science research with a desire to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

• Collaborative team player with strong attention to detail and excellent record-keeping skills, ensuring accuracy and efficiency

• In-person role based at WHOI’s campus in Woods Hole, MA, requiring on-site participation for event planning, coordination, and execution.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Creative and used to thinking outside the box

• Innovative and creative thinker, comfortable with brainstorming and developing new ideas to enhance events and engagement.

• Strong passion for ocean science and a genuine interest in supporting related events that promote research and conservation.

• Self-motivated and able to work independently, while also thriving in a collaborative team environment to achieve shared goals.

• Personable, professional, and presentable, with the ability to engage confidently with diverse groups of people.

• Enthusiastic and eager to contribute fresh ideas, constantly seeking ways to improve processes and make events even more impactful.

Additional Job Requirements

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.