Spring/Summer 2025 Event Production Internship

Spring/Summer 2025 Event Production Internship 

Start Date: February 2025 

Office End Date: August 1, 2025 

Final Event: August 16, 2025 

Application Deadline: January 5, 2025 

Pay: 

Spring: Hourly Pay $13.00 per hour. 

Summer: $4,600 Summer (paid as W-2) 

Based in the heart of downtown Des Moines, RipRoar is a driven and creative team at the top of our game. We’re on the hunt for passionate, positive people to join us for a spring/summer internship, with the potential to grow into a long-term role. 

What We Do: 

For the past five years, RipRoar has been Iowa’s largest producer of endurance events. In the last three years, we've expanded, creating unique experiences and activations for corporate partners and delivering well-crafted products to our community. We get involved in almost every part of the production process, from start to finish, to make sure each event, product, or experience shines. Our diverse event lineup includes: 

• EMC DAM to DSM Half Marathon
• The Des Moines Women’s Race
• The Des Moines Turkey Trot
• RipRoar Youth Triathlon Series
• Girls on the Run Spring + Fall 5K
• Fresh 15 (Tyler, Texas)
• Above + Beyond Cancer
• Ride in the Park

We also manage, brand, and create unforgettable experiences for third-party clients like:

• “The Pop Up Cereal Bar” for Midwest Dairy
• SnowGlobe Christmas Experience at Exile Brewing
• Capital City Pride Festival + Pride Stride
• The WellPower Campaign for Above + Beyond Cancer
• The Bravo Gala (2023)

How We Do It: 

Great events start with great teams. We believe in building a crew that's hard-working, efficient, dependable, respectful—and most importantly—fun to be around. We challenge our team to "work ahead" by thinking about the bigger picture and working swiftly. Being part of "Team RipRoar" means making lifelong friends, spending countless hours in the sunshine, and being part of events that leave a mark on our community. 

Who You Are: 

You're seeking an internship that offers real, hands-on experience in event production. You know that behind every great event is a lot of hard work, and you’re ready to jump in. You’re organized, a self-starter, and not afraid to get your hands dirty to ensure everything runs smoothly. You thrive on teamwork, enjoy problem-solving, and are excited to make the most of your summer by contributing to something meaningful. If you’re easy-going yet hard working, and love the idea of being part of something epic and empowering, you might be the perfect fit for our team. 

How Your Time Will Be Spent: 

Spring Hours: During the spring semester, you’ll work 8-14 hours per week, split across 2-3 days, with in-office attendance required. This time is all about planning for our full summer of events, which includes handling logistics, ordering supplies, prepping materials, and building everything we need for a successful season. 

Summer Internship: This is a 12-week summer internship where "full-time" office hours begin on May 12, following a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. We produce an event almost every weekend (sometimes two), so no two weeks look the same. Our interns are constantly on the go—gathering, building, organizing, and ultimately producing our events. Some weeks are challenging and fast-paced, while others are more laid-back, allowing you to enjoy the process and the journey. Please note that the Des Moines Women’s Race (May 3-4) and the RipRoar Championships (August 16) are part of the summer internship, but occur outside of our 12 week office hours window. Pay for these events is included as part of your summer stipend. 

Requirements:

• Must be able to commute to downtown Des Moines for office days.
• Must be available for most of our events during your internship (travel, lodging, and food are covered by RipRoar).
• Must have a laptop you’re comfortable using for creating, designing, communicating, and distributing information.
• Must not have any prior arrests or convictions related to youth interactions.

Highly Valued Skills: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Social media know-how, including effective copywriting and/or video editing.
• Bonus points for skills in construction, welding, painting, towing, or mechanics.

Pay + Perks: 

Unlike many internships in "Sports and Event Management," we offer competitive pay because we value hard work and understand the need to earn during the summer months. Here’s what you can expect: 

Spring Pay: $13.00 per hour 

Summer Pay: $4,600.00 (paid bi-weekly) 

Additional Perks: 

Meals & Travel: On setup days, we often provide lunch to keep the energy up and dinner on nights where it won’t impact our sleep. After event days, we’ll treat you to a hard-earned dinner filled with stories from the day. If you're traveling for an event, all your meals and travel expenses are covered will be covered by RipRoar 

Further Opportunities: 

RipRoar and our interns are known throughout the event industry for our work ethic, creativity, and high standard of excellence. As a result, we've built a strong reputation that extends beyond our own events. We’ve proudly helped place former interns at a number of top organizations, including: 

• Momentum Worldwide (Experiential Marketing Agency)
• USA Triathlon
• Ironman Corporation
• LifeTime Fitness Events
• The American Birkebeiner
• Numerous Convention and Visitor Bureaus
• And many others

People often ask, "How did you land your dream job?" In the event production world, almost everyone starts as a volunteer or intern. If this is the path for you, there's no better place to start than here. This ‘job’ is one-of-a-kind, mobile, and filled with adventure and friendship, with a wide network of opportunities for you during and after your internship, all across the country. 

Application Details: 

If this sounds like the perfect fit, we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking to fill our spring roles soon, so please submit your application by January 5, 2025 for consideration. 

Interested applicants should submit their application to Michael Zimmerman (michael@riproarevents.com). 

We’ll review applications as they come in and close the opportunity once we’ve found the right candidates. 

Please Include: 

• Cover Letter: We do not want ‘traditional templates’ for your cover letter, so please save yourself a search on “glass door”. Instead, cut the formalities and please write us a letter that shows who you are, why you’re a positive person to be around, and why this internship is the right step towards where you want to be. If there’s anything else we should know about you, throw it in.
• Brownie Points: Video Cover Letter: Want to make your application stand out? Send us a 30-60 second video that highlights your passions, interests, and personality. Share why you're excited about this internship and what makes you a great fit for the RipRoar team. Bonus points if you include fun visuals and an epic soundtrack!
• Resume: While we’re eager to see your personality through the your cover letter, your resume is essential for highlighting your experience, skills, and commitment.