Special Events Intern

GALA Hispanic Theatre | Washington, DC | Hybrid

Company Description

GALA (Grupo de Artistas LatinoAmericanos) Hispanic Theatre is a National Center for Latino Performing Arts based in Washington, DC. Since 1976, GALA has celebrated Latino arts and cultures through innovative theatrical productions, arts education, and community engagement. Through its performances and programs, GALA creates opportunities for Latino artists, supports the next generation of young performers, and brings diverse communities together through the arts.

About the Internship

GALA Hispanic Theatre is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Gala & Special Events Intern to support the planning and execution of Noche de Estrellas 2027, our annual fundraising gala taking place on Monday, May 17, 2027, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC.

This hands-on internship offers the opportunity to experience the full event planning process, from fundraising and early preparations to event-day production and post-event wrap-up.

The intern will work directly with the Noche de Estrellas Event Coordinator, gaining practical experience in nonprofit event management, fundraising, donor relations, and event production.

While the position provides exposure to all aspects of gala planning, its two primary areas of responsibility will be silent/live auction solicitation and volunteer coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Silent Auction & Fundraising Support

• Research and contact potential auction donors, including local businesses, restaurants, hotels, and community partners.
• Assist with donation solicitation, outreach, and follow-up with previous and prospective donors, including in-person visits when appropriate.
• Arrange meetings with potential donors and community partners.
• Track donations, donor communications, and auction item details.
• Help organize auction materials and coordinate auction logistics leading up to the gala.
• Assist with silent auction operations and post-event donor follow-up.

Volunteer Coordination

• Assist with recruiting and organizing volunteers for Noche de Estrellas.
• Manage volunteer communications, schedules, assignments, and records.
• Help coordinate and lead two in-person volunteer training sessions.
• Take initiative in directing volunteers, managing assignments, and addressing needs during event preparations and on event day.
• Support volunteer check-in and coordination throughout the gala.
• Assist with volunteer appreciation and post-event communications.

Event Planning & Production

• Support event logistics, timelines, vendor communications, and planning meetings.
• Participate in venue walkthroughs, site visits, and vendor meetings.
• Gain exposure to sponsorship coordination, guest experience, catering, décor, and event production.
• Assist with event setup, execution, breakdown, and post-event closeout.
• Be ready to work in a fast-paced event environment, problem-solve, and jump in wherever support is needed.

Qualifications

We welcome applications from college students, recent graduates, and emerging professionals interested in event planning, nonprofit management, fundraising, hospitality, arts administration, or related fields.

Ideal candidates should have

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Confidence communicating professionally with businesses, donors, and volunteers.
• A proactive, hands-on attitude and willingness to take initiative.
• Confidence giving directions, coordinating people, and handling responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to approach businesses in person, conduct outreach, arrange meetings, and follow up consistently.
• Comfort using email, spreadsheets, and shared documents.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Reliable transportation or the ability to commute to required in-person activities in Washington, DC.

Previous event planning or fundraising experience is not required. We value reliability, enthusiasm, initiative, strong organizational skills, and a genuine interest in learning.

Internship Details

• Start Date: As soon as possible
• End Date: June 4, 2027
• Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)
• Time Commitment: Approximately 5-8 hours per week, with increased availability closer to the gala.
• Stipend: $500

The internship offers flexibility to work remotely during the earlier planning stages, with in-person participation required as the gala approaches.

Required In-Person Availability

• At least one venue walkthrough/site visit.
• Two volunteer training sessions prior to the event, led by the intern.
• May 12-14, 2027: Final event preparations.
• May 17, 2027: Full-day availability for Noche de Estrellas (9 AM-midnight).
• Required post-event activities through June 4, 2027.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience planning and producing a major nonprofit fundraising gala.
• Direct mentorship from the Noche de Estrellas Event Coordinator.
• Practical experience in fundraising, auction solicitation, volunteer management, and event logistics.
• Opportunities to attend venue walkthroughs, vendor meetings, and site visits.
• Professional networking opportunities with arts leaders, nonprofit professionals, vendors, and community partners.
• A complimentary GALA Hispanic Theatre 2026-2027 season pass.
• Community service hours and internship verification, when applicable.
• Potential college internship credit, subject to university requirements.
• Eligibility for a professional letter of recommendation from GALA Hispanic Theatre Executive Director Rebecca Medrano upon successful completion and satisfactory performance.

How to Apply

Previous event planning experience is not required! We're looking for someone who is proactive, organized, dependable, and excited to get hands-on experience planning a major fundraising gala.

Please submit your resume along with brief responses to the following questions:

1. Taking Initiative & Leadership

Event days can be fast-paced and require a lot of moving around, problem-solving, and managing people. How comfortable are you taking charge, giving directions, and jumping in wherever help is needed? Share an example of when you've taken initiative.

2. Organization & Time Management

This role involves managing multiple tasks, deadlines, donor communications, and volunteer schedules. How do you personally stay organized and make sure nothing falls through the cracks?

3. Confidence & Donor Outreach

A major part of this internship involves approaching businesses in person, reaching out by email or phone, arranging meetings, and following up to secure auction donations. How comfortable would you be doing this, and how would you approach a business that hasn't responded to your initial request?

4. Motivation & Interest

What interests you about being part of Noche de Estrellas 2027, and what are you hoping to gain from this internship?

5. Required Availability

Please confirm whether you can commit to the internship through June 4, 2027, including the required in-person volunteer training sessions, venue walkthrough, May 12-14 preparations, the full gala day on May 17 (9 AM-midnight), and required post-event responsibilities.

Please email your resume and responses to events@galatheatre.org.

For questions about the internship, please contact Bri Curi, Noche de Estrellas Event Coordinator, at events@galatheatre.org.

Join us for a unique opportunity to gain meaningful event planning experience while supporting Latino arts and culture in Washington, DC!