External Relations, Special Events Internship The Ohio University Alumni Association's special events intern will work directly with the Director and Associate Director of the External Relations department and primarily supports special events, reunions, and various gatherings for Ohio University alumni. These include Homecoming, On the Green Weekend, various reunions, Bobcat Bashes, and numerous onand off- campus alumni events and activities. This position offers the student significant opportunities to build networking contacts, explore several career paths in special event planning, alumni relations and university advancement while developing immediate job skills. POSITION DESCRIPTION The Ohio University Alumni Association (OUAA) firmly believes the successful candidate will aid the OUAA staff in furthering the goals and objectives of Vision Ohio, the Promise Lives Campaign, University Advancement and the OUAA strategic plan by supporting the team in effectively communicating with and programming for its diverse group of alumni and friends. Duties include assisting with the planning, execution and staffing of special events, generating publicity and facilitating alumni communication for alumni reunions, special programs and events. Other duties as assigned may include managing research, compilation of event materials, management of supplies, and participating in various meeting with internal and external staff. This position will be housed at Konneker Alumni Center with the External Relations team. The student is required to perform both independently and collaboratively on tasks with significant impact on the success of the OUAA. The student is expected to demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, tact, and strong written and verbal communication skills. These skills will be utilized to enhance current and future alumni awareness of services, programs and events of the OUAA which ultimately result in support for the institution. BENEFITS OF THE POSITION The student will gain an understanding of potential career paths in alumni relations, university advancement and event planning, while acquiring respectable portfolio samples and interacting with alumni, fellow students, business and community leaders, and university officials. This position provides the student with the opportunity to work independently and creatively to obtain experience in self-management, responsible decision-making, teamwork, task follow-through, relationship building and professional-level job expectations. The student will have frequent opportunities to contribute to special events and programming which have the potential to win nationally recognized awards through our professional organizations such as the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Council of Alumni Association Executives (CAAE). Further, this position affords the student with significant opportunities to network externally with many of Ohio University's 200,000-plus alumni who are professionally employed in a wide variety of career areas and environments that include corporations, nonprofit institutions, and service organizations, worldwide. This networking offers the student career exploration and job opportunity enhancement. QUALIFICATIONS At least junior-class standing in a business, communications or consumer sciences major and a desire to pursue a career in alumni relations, special events or meeting planning. A background in interpersonal communication is required. Experience in catering, meeting logistics, organizational development, and public relations are a plus, though not required.