Number of positions: 1

Internship Dates: October 26 – January 24

Supervisor:  Kendra McConnell, Director of Horse Show Operations

The National Western proudly hosts top equestrian athletes of various disciplines from across the nation. The Horse Show department continues to be a premier destination for competitors and equine enthusiasts alike, through a wide variety of competitions and ticketed performances. The Horse Show Communications intern will be exposed to various aspects of event promotions and communications, as well as have the opportunity to network and build lifelong connections within the industry. 

NWSS strives to provide a meaningful experience while allowing the intern to support the overall goals of the Horse Show Department by using core disciplines like communication, graphic design, content generation, strategic promotion, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Applicants should possess effective verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, a strong work ethic and integrity, an attention to detail, the ability to cope with pressure, an understanding of social media platforms, flexibility, the ability to self-motivate, and an enthusiastic attitude.  

The following tasks are intended to provide the intern with a broad scope of the event production and management responsibilities of the Horse Show Department, and the intern should be flexible and prepared to assist with other projects and tasks as assigned: 

• Learn and execute a communications strategy 
• Create and schedule content for various platforms 
• Gather accurate information, data, results, pictures, etc., from the Horse Show production team to ensure timely and consistent updates to the website and social media 
• Update and disburse show history, event information, and exhibitor stats to provide attending media 
• Assist with public relations and promotional efforts 
• Write event recaps and results stories 
• Communicate with and interview staff and exhibitors for edited video and written stories 
• Take photos and videos to support recaps, stories, blogs, e-blasts, social media, and website content 
• Develop social media content and design various graphics that support the social media strategy 
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to collect multimedia content 
• Ensure event recaps, photos, and results are submitted in a timely fashion 
• Update media guides with draws, entries, show history, and information 
• Generate content for and prepare e-blasts 
• Assist with additional tasks to support the Horse Show 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Eager to learn and work with various departments and personnel of the organization 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe products, Canva, social media and website platforms, video editing software, e-blast programs, and other beneficial applications 
• Access to a high-quality camera and video, and/or photo editing software, is desired but not mandatory 
• Ability to prioritize and accomplish multiple tasks 
• Cope well under pressure 
• Represent the Horse Show Department in a professional capacity 
• Previous live event production experience is desired but not mandatory 
• Ability to utilize video calling software, including Zoom and Teams 

This intern will need to be available a minimum of 4 hours per week beginning October 26th and full-time January 1st – January 24th. Daily hours may exceed eight (8) hours leading up to and during the Stock Show, with some late nights and weekends required.