Operations Intern

Job Description

Operations Intern | Vintage Fest

The Tone:
This is an Operations Internship at Vintage Fest, the nation’s largest free-to-enter vintage clothing event. The company brings together vendors, collectors, artists, and thousands of attendees through large and small-scale markets across 8 states and expanding. This entrepreneurial-focused position is pivotal for Vintage Fest’s continued growth, directly impacting the logistics and successful execution of all events. The intern will play a crucial role in managing a wide array of activities from vendor communication to critical day-of operations.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Full-time
• Location: Hybrid, Greater Chicago Area
• Pay: $27 hourly, plus expensed travel and bonuses
• Mission: This person will support the comprehensive logistics and execution of all Vintage Fest events, driving growth through efficient operational management and strategic outreach.
• Tech Stack: Google Sheets, Google Drive, various social media platforms

What You’ll Actually Do
• Event Planning & Logistics: Assist with comprehensive event planning and logistical coordination leading up to each show, ensuring all elements are prepared efficiently.
• Vendor & Partner Engagement: Help organize and manage vendor information, applications, and communications, while also supporting outreach efforts to potential sponsors, venues, and local partners.
• On-site Execution & Support: Provide critical support for day-of event operations, including vendor check-in, setup, troubleshooting, managing attendee flow, and coordinating load-out procedures.
• Operational Systems & Inventory: Manage inventory for merchandise, signage, and essential event materials, and track event notes to contribute to improving internal operational systems for future shows.
• Research & Development: Conduct thorough research on potential venues, local businesses, sponsors, hotels, and new city opportunities to support Vintage Fest’s expansion.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Early Career professional with a genuine interest in vintage, fashion, events, small business, or entrepreneurship, ready to take initiative in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Experience: Demonstrated familiarity with Google Sheets, Google Drive, and various social media platforms; comfortable with the demands of weekend work and long event days required for show execution.
• Skills: Possesses strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail; exhibits good communication skills and professionalism; capable of working independently and multitasking effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Bonus: Prior experience in Canva, ClickUp, event planning, vendor markets, or customer service will be highly valued.