Special Events Intern

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) was founded over 125 years ago, performing its first concert at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Music Hall in 1896. Today, the PSO is one of the finest, most acclaimed orchestras in the world, having toured and recorded extensively throughout its history and boasts multiple GRAMMY nominations and wins. It also owns and operates Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, a historic movie theater which in 1971 became home to the PSO and formed the cornerstone of what is now the Pittsburgh Cultural District. In 2008-2009, Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck became the PSO’s ninth music director following in the luminous footsteps of Victor Herbert, Fritz Reiner, William Steinberg, André Previn, and Lorin Maazel, among others. In addition to presenting more than 100 performances each year at Heinz Hall, both with and without the Orchestra, PSO boasts award-winning Learning & Engagement programs that reach more than 30,000 youth and adults each year in and around the Western Pennsylvania region.

INTERNSHIP TITLE: Special Events Intern
OPTIONS:

1. Summer 2026, with request to stay on through September 30, 2026, for annual Gala.  Full-Time (minimum of 24 hours per week, mid-May through mid-August), then Part-Time (minimum of 10 hours per week, mid- August through Sept 30, 2026).  Can be flexible for fall classes, required the week of Sept 21st and all day on September 26th.
2. Scholastic 2026/2027 - Part-Time (minimum of 10 hours per week, mid-August through April 30, 2027.  In office hours Tues-Thurs, remote hours Monday or Friday, depending on class schedule.

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE:

• The Special Events Intern assists in the design and implementation of the PSO’s fundraising and donor engagement events. The position will primarily focus on the PSO’s largest annual fundraising events. The Opening Night Gala on Saturday, September 26, 2026, then our Annual Florida Tour, Maestro’s Wine Dinner and Parties of Note.
• Additionally, the position will support the Patron Engagement Events planning team as we setup the 26/27 Season.  There will also be an opportunity to work with other areas of the Development team on special projects including donor and prospect research, proposal/letter writing, donor benefits benchmarking, etc.
• Reports to: Manager of Events and Director of Events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Play a key role in assisting with the design, organization, and implementation of the PSO’s annual Gala and event planning. 
• Assist with auction donation requests and help in coordinating auction communications.
• Take part in event logistics and orders (catering, décor, sound and lighting).
• Assist in writing program book copy, communications with sponsors for program ads and proofreading. 
• Assist in coordination of summer event program pages and attend events, TBD.
• Maintain database of PSO event attendees and coordinate information within the Tessitura electronic management system and event management software. Assist the team by pulling reports and lists, cross referencing donor database to ensure all attendees are accounted for.   
• Assist in the preparation of all correspondence and reports regarding Special Events for staff and volunteers.
• Participate in Development department patron engagement events and planning for the 2026/2027 Season. 
• Assist in managing revenue and expenses of events, budgetary review, etc. 
• Other projects as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate level studies, preferably in a related field.
• Interest in learning more about event planning and fundraising in non-profit organizations, preferably with past events or catering experience.
• Excellent organizational skills, verbal and writing skills, and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to interact comfortably and effectively volunteer leadership.
• Commitment to work an occasional evening or weekend based on event schedule.

COMPENSATION:
This is an unpaid position, but the intern may qualify for pay through Federal Community Service Work Study.