Marketing, Communications & Events Intern

About the Role

The Missouri Restaurant Association is seeking a motivated, creative, and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Marketing, Communications & Research Intern for the Winter 2026–2027 term. This internship offers an opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience in a fast-paced nonprofit and trade association environment. The selected candidate will work closely with MRA's marketing and leadership teams to support communications, digital marketing, website development, industry research, and event coordination. This position is ideal for a college student or emerging professional interested in marketing, communications, public relations, business development, or nonprofit management.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing & Communications

• Assist in developing and executing marketing campaigns promoting MRA programs, events, membership benefits, and initiatives.
• Create engaging content for social media platforms, email marketing campaigns, newsletters, and other communication channels.
• Support the development of marketing materials, promotional graphics, and digital advertisements.
• Assist with drafting articles, press releases, website copy, and other organizational communications.
• Monitor marketing performance and help identify opportunities to improve audience engagement.

Website & Digital Development

• Assist with maintaining and updating MRA's website, including event listings, member resources, and organizational content.
• Support ongoing website improvement projects focused on user experience, accessibility, and content organization.
• Help develop and maintain digital resources, directories, and member-facing materials.
• Conduct website reviews to identify outdated information, broken links, and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with basic search engine optimization (SEO) and digital content management.

Research & Organizational Development

• Conduct research on restaurant and hospitality industry trends, workforce development, consumer behavior, and emerging business challenges.
• Research potential organizational partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, and membership prospects.
• Assist with gathering and organizing information for association reports, presentations, and strategic initiatives.
• Conduct competitive and industry research to identify innovative programs and benefits offered by other organizations.
• Help analyze survey responses, membership data, and other information to support organizational decision-making.

Event Planning & Coordination

• Assist with planning, promoting, and executing MRA events, including networking opportunities, educational programs, and industry celebrations.
• Support event registration, attendee communications, sponsorship fulfillment, and promotional activities.
• Help coordinate event materials, presentations, signage, and logistical needs.
• Participate in select association events and assist with event-day operations when needed.
• Support post-event evaluations, reporting, and follow-up communications.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, Journalism, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital marketing strategies.
• Basic experience with graphic design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Familiarity with website content management systems, email marketing platforms, or digital analytics is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work both independently and collaboratively.
• A willingness to learn new technologies, programs, and professional skills.
• Previous internship or professional experience is not required.

What You'll Gain

• Gain practical experience in marketing, communications, digital strategy, and organizational research.
• Contribute to real projects and campaigns that reach businesses and industry professionals throughout Missouri.
• Build a professional portfolio featuring marketing materials, research projects, and digital content.
• Develop professional relationships with business owners, association executives, community leaders, and industry partners.
• Gain exposure to nonprofit management, membership organizations, event planning, and strategic communications.
• Receive mentorship, professional guidance, and constructive feedback from MRA leadership.

Work Schedule & Environment

• Position Type: Part-Time Internship
• Schedule: Four days per week, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Hours: Up to 25 hours per week
• Location: Kansas City, Missouri
• Work Environment: Primarily In-Person | Hybrid Flexibility May Be Considered
• Anticipated Start Date: December 7, 2026 (12 Week Program)
• Compensation: $20/hr