Sustainability Intern, 2027 Season

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

Job summary

Penske Entertainment in Indianapolis, IN, is seeking a Sustainability Intern to support cross‑unit environmental initiatives. You will assist with data collection, emissions tracking, and reporting for IMS, INDYCAR, MEM, and IMS Productions, under the guidance of the Sustainability Program Leader.

This seasonal internship runs Feb 2027 through Aug 2027. You will help with waste diversion efforts at events, coordinate with facilities, and gain hands‑on experience in sustainability programs within

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of MS Office and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Experience collecting and organizing data for reports or presentations is a plus.
• Interest in sustainability programs and environmental initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and execution of sustainability initiatives.
• Collect emissions data from sources across business units.
• Draft reports and presentations on new initiatives and projects.
• Support waste diversion efforts during events.
• Coordinate with Facilities for donations and composting during events.
• Assist with training of event staff on sustainability practices.

Skills

MS Office

Data collection

Documentation

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Problem solving

Independent work

Attention to detail

Education

Undergrad or grad student

Sustainability background preferred

Job description

REPORTS TO:
Sustainability Program Leader

LOCATION:
Indianapolis, IN

FLSA STATUS:
Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Seasonal

Duration:
February 2027 – August 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 Penske Entertainment Sustainability Intern is responsible for supporting all sustainability initiatives across the four business units (Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDYCAR, Motorsports Event Management, and IMS Productions). This includes the data collection and tracking of all emissions sources for each business, the planning and communication of relevant initiatives, supporting waste diversion efforts during events, and drafting reports and presentations for new initiatives and projects with direction from management. The individual in this role will work closely with the Penske Entertainment Sustainability Program Leader to achieve the Penske Corporate initiative of decarbonizing the business.

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

• Support the planning and execution of major racing events
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors
• Help maintain high standards of operational excellence and fan experience
• Deliver outstanding service to partners, guests, and colleagues
• Partner with Penske Entertainment business units (IMS, INDYCAR, MEM, IMSP) across operations, products, partners, vendors, and supply chains on environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Communicate, coordinate, and implement environmental sustainability initiatives with business operators throughout their respective business units.
• Work with the Facilities team during events to collect food donations and composting as part of ongoing waste diversion efforts.
• Assist with management of housekeeping and recycling temporary staffing agencies during public events.
• Assist with tracking and measurement of sustainability efforts, including data input for utilities, waste diversion, and vendor response management.
• Interpret data, synthesize findings, write reports, and make actionable recommendations based on market research and data analysis.
• Assist with documentation collection and submission for sustainability certifications.
• Understand and integrate industry trends and competitive landscape as it applies to current and/or future initiatives.
• Mentor and train event staff team members.
• Other projects as assigned.

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:

• Strong knowledge of MS Office, with emphasis on Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Innovative and critical thinker, self-starter with problem solving skills with results driven goals.
• Effective communication and relationship building skills; both verbal and written.
• Ability to work in a role that requires attention to detail, organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment. Proven ability to handle pressure with time constraints, while simultaneously maintaining multiple responsibilities efficiently and accurately.
• Highly motivated and resourceful self-starter with positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently.
• A proactive, flexible mindset and commitment to excellence
• Passion for creating memorable experiences
• 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.
• Sustainability background preferred but not required.

Leadership:

• This role does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

FLEXIBILITY & TRAVEL

• Standard hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Extended hours required during race weekends and key event periods (especially May)
• This position requires working weekends as well as evening hours based upon our business needs. Flexibility and adaptability are key skills needed for this role.
• Occasionally, this position requires travel to INDYCAR events (no more than three per season)
• Our teams work together to create flexibility that supports life in and out of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Predominantly in the office, long working hours outdoors are required during public events, including weekends and evening.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Work outdoors requires physical strength and stamina to endure extreme heat, cold, rain and other conditions.
• Must be willing to handle food waste and manage waste diversion during events.
• Extended periods of standing or walking (as needed)
• Comfort working indoors/outdoors and around event noise

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Fast-paced, collaborative office and event settings
• Employee is faced with frequent interruptions and must work in close proximity to others.
• The noise level in the work environment can be loud, due to professional racing events.
• Employee will work in office space during regular business, and outdoors during 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.

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.