Commercial Partnership Intern

Position Details

• Position: Commercial Partnership Intern
• Schedule: 12 Weeks, 40 hours per week
• Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Term: Summer 2027 (May-August)
• Eligibility: Rising Senior enrolled in a bachelor's degree program.

Position Summary

The Commercial Partnership Intern will support the TRD Commercial Partnership team with communications, partnership management, and business development. This role offers direct, hands-on experience in sports marketing, client relations, and digital content distribution in high-level professional motorsports. Working collaboratively with cross-functional departments, the intern will help craft compelling stories, support brand partner activations, business development research, and track communications performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and manage dynamic email marketing tool(s) to support partnership management, business development, and communications efforts (i.e., digital newsletter, LinkedIn content, etc.).
• Manage design layout, content scheduling, editorial creation, previewing, and the approval process.
• Set up and manage audience databases using email marketing / CRM software platforms (i.e., MailChimp or other).
• Interact with various TRD departments to assess and gather stories and newsworthy content (including supporting photography and videography assets).
• Assist the Commercial Team with regular client performance reporting, including gathering trackside and digital imagery assets, compiling metrics, and proofreading presentations prior to partner distribution.
• Support the development of comprehensive partner Case Studies highlighting TRD collaboration initiatives and demonstrating measurable ROI.
• Collaborate with the commercial team on the creation of new materials (i.e., at-track itineraries, gifting, and merchandise).
• Set up, update, and manage interactive digital presentation platforms.
• Assist the Business Development team with industry research and prospecting.
• Provide at-track and special event support and guest management, as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor’s degree program, pursuing a field of study in Business, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Sports Management, or Journalism.
• Rising senior with a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA required).
• Proficient with MS Office programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Experience with email marketing tools and design software such as Adobe, InDesign, Canva, or similar is desired but not required.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines with limited supervision.
• Ability and willingness to travel if necessary and work select weekends or holidays in support of race events and partner hospitality.
• Must be located in Indiana. Candidates willing to self-relocate are welcome to apply; the intern is solely responsible for all relocation, temporary housing, and daily transportation arrangements and expenses.

What The Intern Gains

• Real-World Sports Marketing Experience: Hands-on experience executing integrated partner marketing, corporate communications, and sponsorship activation in elite professional motorsports.
• Content & Editorial Campaign Management: Practical experience running end-to-end digital communications, managing CRM/audience databases, and producing executive-level newsletters and social content.
• Client Reporting & Analytics Proficiency: Direct training in client reporting and developing impactful commercial case studies.
• Business Development Experience: Exposure to the partnership sales lifecycle, including industry analytics, prospect research, and building presentation database platforms.
• Event Operations & VIP Hospitality Skills: Experiential learning through trackside activations, special event coordination, and guest management in a high-stakes racing environment.
• Cross-Functional Industry Exposure: Broad collaboration across engineering, public relations, creative media, and executive teams within a world-class automotive performance brand.