Gala Intern

MISSION

Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, offering welcoming experiences through programs and partners that inspire discovery, wonder, and fun.

JOB SUMMARY

The Resource Development Team at Navy Pier is responsible for soliciting contributed revenues. These philanthropic funds support the mission-driven programs and community engagement initiatives that bring the Pier to life for our more than 8 million annual guests.

The Gala Intern will collaborate with Navy Pier’s Director of Individual Giving and Resource Development and Special Events Manager in contributing to Navy Pier’s annual gala, A Chicago ExPIERience. Through donor tracking, raffle management, and projects such as the program book creation, gala honoree video creation, and day-of support, this role will gain experience in nonprofit fundraising and administration. The successful candidate will also perform other duties as assigned including research and office management tasks.

We are seeking responsible, personable, and professional candidates who will be valuable contributors to the success of Navy Pier’s Resource Development efforts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will focus on specific gala-related projects including, but not limited to:

• Track gala donor relation and Board of Director engagement activities and stewardship efforts
• Prepare and develop gala written materials including menu card, donor card, valet card, and event signage
• Manage the annual gala raffle – solicitation, tracking, package building, and marketing
• Assist with volunteer management in preparation of the gala and during the night of the event
• Work in Raiser’s Edge and Salesforce to help streamline tracking and reporting processes
• Collaborate closely on special event messaging, program, and publicity with other Navy Pier departments, including Arts, Culture, and Engagement, PR/Communications, and Marketing
• Support planning for annual Associate Board event, Cheer at the Pier
• Administrative support duties

This position is expected to be on-site during their time supporting Navy Pier. Interested candidates must be available to work the gala on October 30, 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS

Navy Pier is seeking initiative-taking and professional individuals. Successful candidates will demonstrate:

Interest/experience in nonprofit administration

• A proactive nature to learn how to complete a task/project from start to finish
• Interest in learning about nonprofit fundraising and working on a team
• Persuasive/marketing style writing
• Ability to work independently on multiple, simultaneous projects.
• Competency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)

Candidates who may not fit all the qualifications listed above are still encouraged to apply.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Current or recent enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program
• Interest or experience in nonprofit fundraising required
• Be prepared to provide a professional or collegiate reference upon request

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Internship Period: August - November

Hours: Works 15-to-20 hours per week

Positions Open: One (1)

Office Location: Navy Pier Administrative Offices, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Wages: $20.00/hour

The preceding job description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities of the role and Navy Pier Inc. reserves the right to modify this role at its discretion. 

Navy Pier Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, disability, veteran, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.