Design Intern at ChildServe Ames, IA

ChildServe; Ames (IA); Hybrid; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

ChildServe Foundation seeks a Design Intern to assist with runway coordination and design creation for Bubble Ball, a signature gala in the Des Moines metro area. The role supports the Foundation department and provides hands-on experience in fashion-related design for fundraising.

Responsibilities include creating Bubble Wrap accessories, coordinating with the Runway Director, and developing decor and store processes.

Qualifications

• Current college student available Oct 2025–Apr 2026.
• Interest in fashion design and non-profit events.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Create accessories made from Bubble Wrap for sale at the event.
• Collaborate with Runway Director on costuming at Des Moines studio.
• Support Bubble Ball Décor by crafting Bubble Wrap centers.
• Lead communications and scheduling for Bubble Wrap design work.
• Assist with additional Bubble Wrap design creation or cutting.

Skills

Crafting

Sewing

Textiles

Fashion design

Runway coordination

Self-starter

Organization

Microsoft Office

English writing

Education

College student

Job description

Design Intern job at ChildServe. Ames, IA.

TheDesign Intern at ChildServe will assist the Foundation department with runway and design support for our annual gala, Bubble Ball. The internship will provide a current college student the opportunity to learn about runway coordination and design creation relating to fashion and non-profit fundraising.

Bubble Ball is ChildServe’s signature gala, and one of Des Moines’ most unique events! Volunteer designers debut Bubble Wrap creations as part of a themed runway show production and gallery of stationary designs. Attendees are treated to dinner and musical entertainment, performances, and other surprises. Bubble Ball 2026 will take place on April 18, 2026 at Iowa Events Center.

Schedule & Experience

8-10 hours/week, during standard business hours. Can be flexible with class and other work schedules. Work will be completed at our ChildServe location in Johnston and/or remotely as approved.

Must have availability starting in October 2025, through April 2026.

This internship may be a school-to-work opportunity or a paid internship. The internship can be offered to those applicants seeking course credit, building portfolio content, and/or specific academic internship requirements in the Fall and/or Spring semester.

What You’ll Do

Design Creation

• Create accessories made from Bubble Wrap to be purchased by guests at the event. Including but not limited to bow ties, necklaces, flower crowns, hair broaches, etc.
• Collaborate with our Runway Director to craft and execute specialty act costuming at her studio in the Des Moines metro.
• Serve as a member of the Bubble Ball Décor committee by crafting centerpiece creations made from Bubble Wrap.
• Lead communications and schedule orders to cut Bubble Wrap for designers.
• Help with any other Bubble Wrap design creation or cutting of the material.

Runway Support

• Create processes and procedures around sales for the Bubble Wrap merchandise store.
• Draft runway support communications and planning documents; including but not limited to designer and model weekly communications, hair and makeup look book, designer slideshow, etc.

Experience & Skills

• Experience with crafting, sewing, and/or working with textiles.
• Interest in fashion design and runway coordination.
• Ability to be a self-starter.
• Flexibility, creativity, and organization skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• An interest in non-profit management and community development.
• Writing and composition ability.
• Ability to communicate effectively in reading, writing, and speaking the English language.

ChildServe is an equal opportunity employer.