Job/Volunteer Opportunities
GoRockford is involved with several sports tournaments and events that need volunteers! A wide variety of volunteer opportunities come up each year, so be sure to check back frequently to see what you can get involved with!
Seasonal Internship 2026
At GoRockford, our internship program is designed to launch emerging professionals into meaningful, real-world experience. Interns become active contributors to our mission—supporting initiatives that promote Rockford’s attractions and businesses, attract visitors, and enhance the success of local, regional, and national events hosted throughout the region.
This hands-on opportunity provides practical experience across marketing, sales, finance, and destination development. Interns collaborate closely with our team, contribute to impactful projects, and gain exposure to the strategy behind destination promotion and event support.
Throughout the experience, interns build a strong professional portfolio, expand their network by connecting with community partners and industry leaders, and develop skills that prepare them for the next step in their careers.
SEASONAL INTERNSHIP Job Description:
- Work cross-departmentally with other GoRockford interns and staff as necessary to assist with GoRockford operations.
- Assist with planning, preparation and implementation of special events, as directed. This may include: sports activations, marketing activations, news conferences, Stroll on State, 815 Day, etc.
- Assist with multiple activations of various levels (opening ceremonies, concessions and event load in/out)
- Assist in creation of interactive activities for visitors during GoRockford activations
- Identify, load and transport supplies needed for activations and special events
- Social media content creation as assigned
- Research, execute and present market research project
- Write content highlighting GoRockford programs, including blogs, and other projects as assigned by marketing across various GoRockford platforms
- Make occasional deliveries or pickups for groups and events
- Coordinate the assembly of VIP gifts and welcome information for clients, partners and vendors
- Interact and communicate with a variety of customers, partners and vendors
- Assist in conceptualizing and planning attractions for GoRockford events
- Assist as necessary with clerical work (filing, inventory, organizing, handling inquiries, covering the reception desk, etc.)
- Other duties as assigned
Basic Expectation, Skills and Abilities
- Minimum of 18 years old (Preferred Junior, Senior, or recent college graduate)
- College majors preferred: Marketing, Communications, Social Media Management, Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations, Graphic Design, Travel & Tourism, Hospitality, Event Planning, Photography, or related field.
- Have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
- Those 21 years or older with a safe driving record will be needed to drive the GoRockford vehicle
- Strong time management skills
- Excellent customer service
- Strong administrative aptitude and organization skills
- Competent with Microsoft Office; Work, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook 365
- Flexible working hours; must be able to work some nights and weekends
- Required to work June 13 and June 14, 2026
- Required to work August 14 and August 15, 2026
- Weekend hours up to 2 weekends per month
- May work up to 30 hours per week with some nights/weekends when necessary
- Work hours as agreed and give advance notice of any necessary scheduling changes
- Available for 12-13 consecutive weeks starting in June and ending late-August.
- Submit bi-weekly payroll forms
- Attend meetings and orientations as necessary
- Ability to work events held indoors and outdoors (rain or shine)
- Ability to complete work assigned and meet all deadlines
- Must be comfortable working independently
- Routinely communicate with department staff and communicate any difficulties
- Dress appropriately for a professional office environment
- Willingness to work in a fast paced, team environment
- Office Work – Light Exertion up to 20lbs. force occasionally and/up to 10lbs frequently
- During Events- Medium Exertion up to 60lbs force occasionally, and/or up to 30lbs frequently
- Possess good manual dexterity
Hourly Pay: $15 per hour
Interested candidates can email their cover letter and resume to Elizabeth Falls, Marketing Manager at efalls@gorockford.com.
Part-Time Accounting Specialist
GoRockford exists to drive quality of life and economic growth for our citizens through tourism marketing and destination development. We’re seeking a detail-oriented Part-Time Accounting Specialist to support our VP of Finance and Administration with day-to-day accounting functions that ensure accurate and efficient financial operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Process vendor invoices, payments, and purchase orders.
- Prepare customer invoices and record payments across all revenue streams.
- Complete monthly bank reconciliations and assist with grant reporting and audits.
- Prepare annual 1099s and quarterly sales tax filings.
- Provide financial reports and analysis to support budgeting and decision-making.
- Maintain organized financial documentation and ensure confidentiality in all activities.
Qualifications
- Certificate or coursework in Accounting, or 1+ year of related experience.
- Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and accounting software.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Why Work With Us
GoRockford is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse workplace that reflects the community we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Salary Range: $22-26 per hour
Schedule: 20-25 hours/week
Benefits: 401k, EAP, PTO/holiday, Paid Parking and Cell Phone Reimbursement
Interested applicants can send their resume and cover letter to Hiring@gorockford.com.
Volunteer Opportunites
Volunteer opportunities are available for many GoRockford events including the upcoming IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford on June 14 and Stroll on State in November.
IRONMAN 70.3 Volunteers
Volunteers interested in volunteering for IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford can sign up for shifts on the vounteer portal.
Stroll on State 2026
Stroll on State has several fun volunteer opportunities available including Santa's Workshop every Tuesday evening and Saturday morning from mid-September to November, Decorations Days the week before Stroll on State, day of volunteers on November 28, and Back in the Box days in January. Interested volunteers can email Julie Huber at jhuber@gorockford.com .
