Special Event Intern

The Special Event Intern (seasonal) at Child Serve will assist the Foundation department with logistics, inventorying, and documentation support for our annual gala, Bubble Ball. The seasonal position will provide the opportunity to support event coordination and ensure standard operating procedures related to project management and non-profit fundraising.

Bubble Ball is Child Serve’s signature gala, and one of Des Moines’ most unique events! Volunteer designers debut Bubble Wrap creations as part of a themed runway show production and gallery of stationary designs. Attendees are treated to dinner and musical entertainment, performances, and other surprises. Bubble Ball 2027 will take place on April 3, 2027 at Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

• 10 hours/week, generally during standard business hours, plus up to 20 hours over the event weekend of April 1-3, 2027.
• Can be flexible on exact weekly schedule.
• Work will be completed at our Child Serve location in Johnston and/or remotely as approved.

• Create a template and proof of general event slides and program in collaboration with the Special Events Manager.
• Log expenses in the Bubble Ball budget tracking spreadsheet to track our ongoing finances.
• Attend volunteer trainings, assist with volunteer communications leading up to the event, and provide leadership as the onsite volunteer liaison at the Bubble Ball gala.
• Organize tear-down logistics, clarify staff roles, and lead tear-down on-site.
• Inventory, label, document, and organize Bubble Ball and other event materials in the Child Serve Warehouse to assess and maintain accurate inventory records.

• Write and send the Bubble Ball design program weekly communications to designers and/or models.
• Organize and maintain design program planning documents and operational plans.
• Lead communications and schedule orders for the Design Intern to cut Bubble Wrap for designers.
• Collaborate with the Design Intern to proof and finalize the hair and makeup schedule, designer slides, and related logistics materials.

• Revise and document updates to the Bubble Ball Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of event execution—including logistics coordination, design workflows, and any additional processes requiring clarification—and ensure these SOPs are embedded within the event plan for consistent reference and future scalability.

• Assist with vendor communications, maintain positive vendor relationships, and collaborate with Party On, Des Moines! for day-of Bubble Ball vendor execution.

• Current enrollment in a post-secondary education program.
• Previous event coordination experience relating to logistics, organizational skills, communications, budgeting, purchasing, and vendor relations is preferred.
• Past professional experience on a team in an office setting, along with the ability to work independently, is preferred.
• Interest in nonprofit management, events or project management, fashion design and runway coordination.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Flexibility, creativity, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SharePoint programs.
• An interest in non-profit management and community development.
• Strong written communication and documentation skills.
• Strong and confident verbal presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in reading, writing, and speaking the English language.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds to support warehouse needs.