500 Festival Digital Marketing Internship, Spring 2026
January 13 – May 28, 2026
Supervisor: Abbie Dunipace, Marketing Coordinator
Are you looking to make a BIG impact in the city of Indianapolis? The 500 Festival is looking for 12 interns to help produce the greatest series of programs and events! As a Digital Marketing Intern, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis and play a key role in bringing 500 Festival events and programs to life - while gaining valuable marketing and event experience.
Hours Requirement: Ideally, the digital marketing internship position is full-time, requiring 40 hours per week; however, we understand communication majors’ schedules. From January to March, there is some flexibility with scheduling, and we’ll work with you and your class schedule on in-office versus work from home days. From April to May, in-office, five days a week, is required. In-office hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Must be willing to work long hours and an irregular schedule, which will include weekends, evenings, and every weekend in May.
Compensation: Intern will earn a weekly stipend of $400. Stipend will be paid at the end of each month. Note: no relocation or housing assistance is provided.
The 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that was created in 1957 to produce events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. Today, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most respected festivals, engaging more than half a million people throughout its events and programs each year. Events include the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the 500 Festival Parade, and so many more!
RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary Focus: Marketing & Digital Content
- Social Media & Content Creation
- Assist with brainstorming, writing, and scheduling content for all 500 Festival social channels
- Monitor engagement, respond to inquiries, and create stories and other interactive content
- Create social media posts including short-form video, graphics, and written content (experience with Canva is a plus)
- Assist in the creation of newsletter/email campaigns
- Video & Photography
- Capture high-quality photos and videos at events
- Gather event-day content, testimonials, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content
- Edit and produce video content for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube
- Website & Digital Tools
- Support website updates and basic content management
- Help organize and manage the image library (experience with Dropbox a plus)
- Coordinate with the Communications Intern to post event content to online community calendars
- Learn and assist with social media management tools
- Creative & Strategic Input
- Research trends and recommend ideas based on marketing best practices
- Participate in team brainstorms and marketing team meetings
- Influencer/Content Creator Relations
- Assist Marketing Coordinator with Influencer/Content Creator Program
- Act as a point-of-contact with Influencers/Content Creators
- Help create a social media schedule to ensure beneficial collaboration efforts
- Supply resources and guidelines to Influencers/Content Creators as needed
Secondary Focus: Event Operations, Production, & Administration
As a supplementary part of the internship, you’ll support the on-site execution of 500 Festival events and programs.
- Assist with event set up, tear-down, and operational needs during event days (consisting of early mornings, late nights, and every weekend throughout May).
- Ability to work outdoors, a task which requires physical strength and stamina to endure heat, cold, rain, and other conditions and elements.
- Provide input on event recaps, focusing on areas of success and improvement at internship completion.
- Other opportunities and responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements:
- Experience or coursework in marketing, social media, photography, videography, communications, or a related field is recommended.
- Possess strong written / verbal communication, organizational skills, and display creativity.
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple projects/tasks at a time.
- Understanding of AP style, branding, and social media best practices.
- Detail-oriented and creative.
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Eager to learn and adapt in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Ability to edit video and photo
- Possess a willingness to learn and adjust/adapt to changing deadlines.
Application Process:
- Candidates with directly relevant skills and background are encouraged to apply with a cover letter and resume.
- Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as applications are received.
- Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams or in person. The format will be determined by the supervisor and based on location and availability.
- We may also consider your application for other positions, if appropriate, as part of our recruitment process.
Benefits:
- Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis.
- Hands-on industry experience in marketing and event production.
- 500 Festival-branded apparel.
- Two tickets to the 500 Festival Parade.
- Two tickets to the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge.
