Destination Development Intern - Spring 2026
Summary
| Title: | Destination Development Intern - Spring 2026 |
|---|---|
| ID: | 1135 |
| Department: | Destination Development |
| Job Status: | Internship |
| Location: | Indianapolis, IN |
Description
Destination Development Intern
Since 1923, Visit Indy has proudly served as the city’s official sales and marketing organization, a non-profit charged with driving tourism to Indy. At Visit Indy, it's our job to promote the city of Indianapolis. And that job has never been easier, more energizing or more rewarding than it is right now. As an unprecedented level of cooperation between business and government boosts Indianapolis to a completely new level, we're reveling in the opportunity to show our city off.
Since 1923, Visit Indy has proudly served as the city’s official sales and marketing organization, a non-profit charged with driving tourism to Indy. At Visit Indy, it's our job to promote the city of Indianapolis. And that job has never been easier, more energizing or more rewarding than it is right now. As an unprecedented level of cooperation between business and government boosts Indianapolis to a completely new level, we're reveling in the opportunity to show our city off.
Applications set to close on Monday, October 27, 2025
POSITION PURPOSE
Guided by a Destination Vision Plan, Visit Indy’s Destination Development team works in partnership with city, state, civic, philanthropic, and private sector partners on the long-term enhancement of Indianapolis as a great place to live, work, and visit. Using skillsets that mix urban planning, research, community engagement, marketing, and community visioning, the team works to analyze tourism market performance, identify tourism product deficiencies and opportunities, and encourage or support implementation partners.
The intern assists with development and implementation of community programs, marketing and promotion efforts relating to destination development projects, managing development and city-tracking systems, and supporting general project management needs. The Destination Development Intern will work in office approximately 20 hours per week. All Visit Indy team members reflect the organization’s “3 Ps” culture – productive, positive, and progressive.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To be successful in this role, an individual must be able to perform in a satisfactory manner the functions listed below. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Inform an update to Indy’s Destination Vision Plan by helping to develop and execute a research program. This research may include resident sentiment, visitor perception, tourism master plan best-practice review, competitor benchmarking, and identification of gaps and opportunities in tourism product.
- Develop and participate in in-person and online community engagement activities related to the Plan update.
- Assist in planning and implementation of the Destination Vision Plan, currently focused on regional activation of the White River, storytelling the regional trails network, and exploring the future of the convention district.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
- Participates in weekly destination development team meetings.
- Attends destination development project meetings.
- Provides basic administrative assistance for project management.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience.
- Enrollment in a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree program required. Ideal programs of study include research, economics, urban planning, public administration, tourism development, marketing, public relations, and informatics.
- Junior/Senior collegiate standing or a minimum of two full years of college coursework completed.
- Previous internship experience a plus.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse partners.
- Ability to support project management tasks, including scheduling, partner communications, progress tracking, and problem-solving.
- Strong analytical and research skills, including familiarity with research methodologies, online data gathering, verification, and synthesis.
- Ability to effectively query AI tools (ChatGPT) and critically evaluate findings for accuracy and reliability.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and comfortable using web-based tools.
- Ability to take initiative, work independently, and manage time effectively.
- Adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret instructions, adapt to ambiguity, and propose solutions.
- Open-minded and respectful of diverse perspectives, with the ability to engage constructively with a wide range of stakeholders.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
- This position requires some physical activity, such as reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling; it requires occasional pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, and moving (up to 50 pounds).
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday.
- Ability to move in and between various facilities and handle exposure to inclement weather.
- Ability to transport materials between locations around Marion County.
- Strong sensory skills, such as good eyesight, good hearing, and dexterity.
- Good speaking and listening skills with the ability to interact independently with others, both in person and through phone, e-mail, and written correspondence.
- Ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail.
- Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones.
