Intern

Description

The Internship Program at the Bloomington-Normal YMCA is intended to give interns an opportunity for a well-rounded experience in non-profit administration and operations.  It is our desire to introduce interns to a number of different departments and experience a variety of functions that occur in our organization.  Our goal is to have interns take accountability for completing at least one large project during their time with the YMCA.  Interns will have the opportunity to take part in weekly leadership meetings as well as meetings with the operations team.

Bloomington-Normal YMCA internships are unpaid.  Available work outside of the internship program in identified operating areas may be compensated but is not guaranteed  (For example, if an intern serves as the site supervisor for a youth sports program on a Saturday by substituting for a normal site supervisor).

Internship standard workdays are from 8am-4pm. Variations in the work day may be required for the full extent of the internship experience and because of programming needs.  Internships are provided for both undergraduate and graduate students, as needed by their degree program.  The Chief Operating Officer is the primary supervisor of the internship program with the Bloomington-Normal YMCA.

YMCA Mission and Core Values:

The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs, services, and relationships that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Core Values of the YMCA are Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. At the Bloomington-Normal YMCA we are a team of employees dedicated to advancing the mission and values of the YMCA through service and support of all members in our unique community. 

Our Culture:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. 

YMCA Required Competencies:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.  

Relationships: Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y’s work. 

Communication: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience.

Requirements

Internship Components:

The components of the internship will be customized for each intern to include work in the following areas, based on the program needs of the intern:

CEO/COO Shadowing:  Interns are included in discussions and experiences related to the day-day operations of an organization with a growing membership base.  The COO will involve the intern in the decisions that impact members and programs on a daily basis.  The COO will also include the intern in all internal and external communications and allow them some time to create some of this communication in the organization.  The intern will also be able to be a part of personnel conversations that occur.  The time spent with the CEO will be minimal, but will include time spent with donors, architects, builders and community partners.  The CEO will also include the intern in many high level discussions regarding finance, strategic planning, etc.

Business Office Operations:  Interns will spend time learning about the financial processes that are necessary to run a multi-million dollar organization.  The intern will work with the business office and see the day-to-day needs and processes.  They will help to close out a month’s financials, as well as helping perform the payroll function.  There will also be an opportunity to experience the onboarding process for new employees.

Marketing and Brand Management: Interns will spend time with the Senior Director of Marketing and Brand Management of the Bloomington-Normal YMCA.  The intern will help prepare for the current fundraising program (dependent upon the time of year).  They will help with the marketing function and work on social media, videos, print marketing, digital, and any other tasks needed to enhance the brand and reach of the YMCA.

Membership Experience: The intern will work with the Senior Director of Membership Experience to learn all of the nuances in supporting thousands of members with a continually growing membership base.  They will work through member complaints and suggestions, work with our member services team, and interact with our membership community.  They will also have the opportunity to work on other membership activities including promotions, giveaways, and membership pricing.

Sports/Youth/Aquatics/Wellness Programming:  The intern will work the Senior Director of Program Development and program directors to look at the systems used for program development, scheduling and implementation, event management, after school programs, school day out programs, summer camp planning, fitness programming, aquatics programming, volunteers, etc.

Work Environment:

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor), while maintaining alertness for extended periods of time.
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Lifting and/or assisting children up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Lifting/carrying supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
• Extended use of a computer.
• Due to the nature of programming, work schedule can be cyclical with intensity being greater some weeks/months than others. As such, adjusting hours to accommodate the needs of the internship are acceptable and weekend work may be required.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications: 

• Ability to effectively work/interact with diverse populations.
• Computer literacy including knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Excel, Word, Outlook and database management.
• Time management efficiency.
• Ability to successfully obtain certification in CPR/AED and First Aid (cost covered by the YMCA).
• Ability to successfully obtain certification in Mandated Reporting by the Department of Family and Child Service (provided as part of the internship).

Required Skills and Experience:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Current enrollment in an accredited university with the degree field and coursework requiring internship hours for degree completion.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND REQUIRED TRAININGS & CERTIFICATIONS

The Bloomington-Normal YMCA adheres to the strictest regulations pertaining to Child Abuse Prevention and requires all staff and volunteers to complete Child Abuse Prevention Training at time of hire and on an annual basis. Other required trainings and certifications, provided by the YMCA during on-boarding or within the first 60 days of employment, include: Illinois Mandated Reporter Certification, Illinois Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Training, CPR/AED/First Aid certification, and OSHA training including Bloodborne Pathogens.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER  The Bloomington-Normal YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 

For a full listing of employee benefits, please visit: www.bnymca.org/workatthey