Operations & Program Support Intern (Reno Rodeo Foundation, Pack Intern, Spring '27)
*This internship is hosted by Reno Rodeo Foundation and sponsored by the Nevada Career Studio (NCS).
Students are highly encouraged to complete a 15-minute drop-in or schedule an in-person or virtual 30-minute appointment with a Career Mentor BEFORE submitting an application. Resumes and cover letters that do not meet NCS best practices will not be included in applicant packages to employers.
After the application period closes in Handshake, the NCS Internships Team reviews the applicants and sends eligible students' applicant packages to employers for them to reach out to conduct interviews and make the final intern selection. Employers will contact students directly if they are interested in moving forward with them as a candidate.
About the Reno Rodeo Foundation:
The Reno Rodeo Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families across 14 Northern Nevada counties. Since 1986, we’ve provided resources, support, and hope through signature programs such as scholarships for local students, new clothing for foster youth, books for children going through court proceedings, and experiences for children with extraordinary medical, developmental, or mental needs.
Our mission is rooted in education, community support, and creating opportunities that inspire resilience. We are also proud stewards of rodeo heritage, using our platform to celebrate Western culture while addressing real needs in our community.
As an intern, you’ll join a small but passionate team where creativity, innovation, and collaboration are encouraged. Current projects include expanding access to our Denim Drive, enhancing scholarship opportunities, building new community partnerships, and developing engaging fundraising events. Our culture values purpose-driven work, hands-on learning, and a genuine commitment to improving lives. As a result of this internship, students will gain skills in l nonprofit management, communications, and event coordination, while seeing firsthand how a community can come together to support its most vulnerable members.
Internship Description:
The Operations & Program Support Intern will play an active role in the Reno Rodeo Foundation’s programs, including the Denim Drive, Scholarship Program, Reading Rooms, and Rodeo Wish. This role offers hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, logistics, and community engagement. The intern will assist with the clothing boutique for foster youth, help manage the Denim Drive online store, and support inventory organization and distribution events. In addition, they will gain exposure to scholarship program administration, Reading Room development and promotion, and coordination of Rodeo Wish experiences for children with extraordinary needs. The intern will learn how operational efficiency, donor support, and community partnerships come together to create meaningful impact across Northern Nevada.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Complete 120 hours of work as an intern (8 hours per week, 15 weeks total)
- Assist with organizing, tracking, and distributing clothing and essential items for foster youth through the Denim Drive
- Support the setup and ongoing management of the Denim Drive online store and boutique operations
- Provide logistical and communications support for Reading Rooms, including book distribution and promotional materials
- Assist with Rodeo Wish coordination, such as preparing family communications, scheduling experiences, and tracking outcomes
- Support the scholarship program by helping review applications, preparing communications, and assisting with award events
- Draft thank-you letters, recognition pieces, and assist with donor and partner communications
- Provide event-day support for program events & activities
- Collect and compile data on program participation and outcomes for internal reports
- Coordinate with volunteers, partners, and staff to ensure smooth program operations
Goals and Expectations of the Intern:
- Develop practical skills in nonprofit program operations and logistics across multiple program areas
- Gain an understanding of how large-scale community initiatives—like donation drives, scholarships, and literacy programs—are planned and executed
- Strengthen organizational, problem-solving, and project-tracking skills
- Build professional confidence working with staff, board members, volunteers, and community partners
- Contribute directly to programs that provide dignity, educational opportunity, and emotional support to children and families across 14 counties
Required Qualifications:
- Must be a degree-seeking student at the University of Nevada, Reno during the Spring '27 semester
- December ‘26 or earlier graduates are not eligible for the Pack Internship Grant Program
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to lift and move program materials (clothing, boxes, books, supplies) with assistance as needed
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
- Interest in nonprofit operations, program delivery, or community service
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with inventory systems, retail, or e-commerce platforms
- Customer service, volunteer coordination, or youth-focused program experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Desired Schedule for Intern:
Applicants must be available during office hours (Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm). Some evening or weekend availability may be requested for events or program activities. Interns should be available for at least two 4-hour shifts per week.
PIGP internships require interns to complete 120 hours during their internship. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure this requirement is met