Guest Experience Operations Intern, 2027 Season

IndyCar; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Ambassador for Indy 500

Developmental programming & networking

Job summary

Penske Entertainment in Indianapolis, IN, seeks a Guest Experience Operations Intern for the 2027 season. You will assist the operations team with staffing, venue setup, and event coordination, gaining exposure to real-time problem solving and event execution at IMS

You will work closely with the Senior Manager, Event Operations, supporting onboarding of seasonal staff and collaborating across departments to deliver top-tier fan experiences at marquee and tier-two events.

Qualifications

• Prior IMS College Program experience preferred.
• Interest in event and staffing operations.
• Ability to lead teams with minimal supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Cultural competence in diverse environments.
• Commitment to Penske Entertainment values.

Responsibilities

• Assist with staffing requirements and fulfillment for events.
• Support onboarding activities for seasonal employees.
• Coordinate correspondence with seasonal staff.
• Manage the IMS Scheduling System databases and records.
• Troubleshoot event day staffing and operations issues.
• Perform pre-event walkthroughs and assist with setup/teardown.

Skills

Event operations

Staffing coordination

Communication

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Education

Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree

Tools

IMS Scheduling System

Job description

Guest Experience Operations Intern, 2027 Season

Job Category: Internships

Requisition Number: GUEST001322

• Posted : September 18, 2026
• Part-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Indianapolis, IN, USA

Description

POSITION TITLE: Guest Experience Operations Intern

REPORTS TO: Manager of Event Personnel

LOCATION: Indianapolis, IN

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Internship

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP: January 2027 – July 2027

ABOUT US

At Penske Entertainment, we don’t just host world‑class events—we create unforgettable moments. Our team fuels four iconic motorsports brands:

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) – home of the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and annually hosts the world’s most prestigious auto race: the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
• INDYCAR - The Indianapolis-based governing body for North America's premier open‑wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone.
• IMS Productions - A multifaceted broadcast and multimedia division that helps bring INDYCAR and IMS events to life for global audiences.
• Motorsports Events Management (MEM) – Promotes major events featuring premier motorsports series throughout the United States.

Whether on the track, behind the scenes, or on the screen, our people are at the heart of everything we do. If you’re ready for a career where excitement, purpose, and impact collide—we want to meet you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Guest Experience Operations Intern will report to the Senior Manager, Event Operations to assist the entire operations team with a variety of planning and execution projects. Projects will include exposure to staffing operations and management, venue set‑up and tear‑down, and event coordination. During the Month of May, the Guest Experience Operations Intern will work with the operations team to solve numerous real‑time issues. The Intern will become intimately involved with overall execution and management of events at IMS.

In this role, you’ll be an important part of delivering top‑tier experiences to fans, partners, and teams across the motorsports world. You’ll take ownership of key responsibilities, collaborate across departments, and bring energy and innovation to a fast‑paced environment.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understand and contribute to solving overall staffing requirements and fulfillment
• Provide support with application and onboarding activities for all seasonal employees
• Compose and coordinate correspondence with a diverse group of seasonal employees
• Help manage the employee database contained in the IMS Scheduling System
• Troubleshoot various event day staffing and operational issues such as no‑show coverage and equipment distribution
• Perform pre‑event walkthroughs of all spaces used by the operations team
• Manage facility set‑up and tear‑down operations including bike rack placement, signage, and other event needs
• React to event day issues and assist with problem‑solving initiatives
• Work closely with operations staff to resolve a wide range of issues during both marquee and tier two events
• Resolve and communicate customer service‑related issues/concerns
• Actively participate in all College Program activities and development opportunities
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor and the entire operations team

WHAT YOU BRING

We’re looking for someone who’s ready to bring great effort every day and is committed to growing with us.

Required Experience & Skills:

• Previous experience in the IMS College Program is preferred
• A strong interest in event and staffing operations
• Interest and experience in event planning and execution
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to the company and the Vision, Mission and Values
• Ability to quickly process and react to problems with minimal supervision
• Innovative thinker and self‑starter with perseverance to lead teams to success
• Effective written/verbal communication and advanced computer skills
• Effective interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to work in a role that requires clerical, organizational and operational skills, as well as initiative and flexibility
• Cultural competence and the ability to thrive in a diverse environment
• Alignment with Penske Entertainment’s core values and standards

Education:

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university

Leadership:

• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities
• This position will assist with the management of seasonal employees during event times

FLEXIBILITY & TRAVEL

• Position requires working on some weekends as well as evening hours based upon our business needs.
• Flexibility and adaptability are key skills needed for this role.
• January – April
• Office hours: 10-15 hours/week, Monday – Friday
• May
• Office hours: 10-15 hours/week, Monday – Friday

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Must be able to see and hear in the normal range with or without correction, and communicate verbally and in written form with great facility and must be able to be understood
• Must have the stamina to work long hours and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which may include weekends or evenings

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Employee will be exposed to those conditions normally encountered in a business office environment
• Employee is faced with frequent interruptions and must work in close proximity to others.
• Fast‑paced, collaborative office and event settings
• The noise level in the work environment can be loud, due to professional racing events.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy 500
• Access to developmental programming and networking events

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Penske Entertainment is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive—regardless of race, gender, orientation, background, or ability.

Preferred

1

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.