Competitive Classes Intern

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society seeks a Competitive Classes intern who will gain hands-on professional development and valuable experience in event planning for a thriving nonprofit organization. Interns will be challenged with a fast-paced, quick turnaround experience on a hard-working team. They will assist with planning and coordination of the 2027 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. The successful candidates should have the ability to manage administrative and logistical support of the Shows and Events staff in a busy special events environment and must be able to anticipate project needs, discern work priorities, and meet deadlines with little supervision. They should be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends, have a love for special event management, provide outstanding customer service, be an enthusiastic professional, and be able to build relationships with internal and external customers.

This is a great opportunity for someone with a strong interest in event logistics and planning who wants to get a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes at events. Interns will have the benefit of learning critical event organizing and planning skills from experienced staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Dive into the vibrant world of the Flower Show Competitive Classes. Reporting directly to the Associate Director of Competitive Classes, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the dynamic exhibits and entries crafted by over 750 talented non-professional exhibitors in landscape design, floral design, pressed plants, botanical arts, photography, and horticulture.

As part of the Competitive Classes Team, you'll collaborate with exhibitors and designers on essential processes like judging and awards, communications, and event planning for the Exhibitors and Awards Event, as well as document important information in the Flower Show Database (FSDB).

This is your chance to be at the heart of the action, contributing to one of the most exciting and prestigious flower shows around! Join us and immerse yourself in the creative energy and meticulous planning that makes the Flower Show a spectacular success.

REQUIRED:

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS 

• Ability to manage multiple projects and work assignments from a variety of staff and volunteers. 
• Passion for special event management and planning.
• Fantastic customer service ethic and high expectations for quality. 
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both in person and by phone, with high professionalism. 
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, proofreading skills, and speaking. 
• Possess strong organizational/multi-tasking skills and attention to detail.
• Be a self-starter, able to take initiative on individual projects; ability to accomplish projects with little supervision.
• Proficient using the latest versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint as well as mail merges, email, Formstack, and web searches. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS/STIPEND

• January 11, 2027 – April 23, 2027. Full time at 40 hours/week preferred. Increased hours during the build of the Flower Show as well as during actual show days of the Flower Show
• Occasional workdays with long hours.
• Occasional evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to endure extended periods of walking and/or standing.
• Must be able to lift 20 lbs.
• Interns are given a stipend of $3,000 for the duration of their internship.
  
  

To learn more about us, visit www.phsonline.org or www.theflowershow.com

Please, no telephone or walk-in inquiries. EOE. Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted

EEO NOTICE: 

At PHS, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.