Intern Banquets Coordinator

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. Ford Foundation Equity Initiative (FFEI) Internship Program at The Henry Ford is a cohort-based program that offers professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We invite diverse candidates who are curious about careers in the museum world to become a part of our legacy and take it forward. The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program Overview and Time Commitment The FFEI Internship Program’s mission is to offer opportunities in museum work to emerging professionals who identify with historically marginalized groups and to invite our interns to think outside the box and explore their careers in new ways. Participants will engage in the program through various bi-weekly professional development workshops hosted on our Dearborn campus. It is mandatory for participants to attend, and applicants should work with their leadership to ensure proper attendance. Workshops typically occur on Wednesdays during the work week. As part of your employment, we also have our interns participate in an end of cohort survey. Note: All candidates interested in FFEI Internship roles must have Wednesdays available due to programmatic requirements of the internship. The 15-week Winter 2027 internship runs January 25–May 7, 2027. Attendance at orientation on January 25 is mandatory. The Banquet Operations Intern will gain hands-on experience helping the Banquet team plan and deliver events at The Henry Ford. Working alongside banquet leaders and staff, the intern will learn how staffing, event preparation, service, inventory, and guest communication come together to support a successful event. The role includes opportunities to observe different banquet positions and take on coordination responsibilities with guidance from the team. Schedules are flexible and built around each intern's class schedule and permitted work hours. Saturday evenings will be required. Essential Responsibilities Help estimate staffing needs and plan arrival and departure times for events Prepare banquet packets that outline event timelines, equipment, staff assignments, special requests, and dietary needsWork with banquet leaders to identify supplies and products needed for upcoming eventsAssist with planning future events, including staffing, setup, service, and breakdown needshelp prepare for and, with guidance, lead pre-shift meetings to review event details and answer staff questionsParticipate in event setup, service, and breakdownCommunicate with clients, vendors, and guests during events and bring concerns to banquet leadership as neededHelp address issues that arise during events in coordination with banquet leadersSupport the coordination of banquet staff and assigned event tasksAssist with alcohol and dry stock orders, inventory entry, and par sheets under staff guidanceShadow servers, bartenders, and stewards to understand how each role contributes to banquet operationsParticipate in required internship orientation and professional development activities Qualifications Currently enrolled in a college or university program in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business, or a related fieldAvailability on Wednesdays for required internship programmingAbility to work a schedule that may include weekend evenings up until 1am EST based on event needs Special Skills Strong attention to detail when preparing event information and tracking suppliesOrganizational skills and the ability to adjust as event needs changeClear communication with staff, clients, vendors, and guestsAbility to stay composed, ask for guidance, and respond thoughtfully during busy eventsInterest in learning about event operations, guest service, and team coordination Physical/Mental/Environmental Physical: Frequent standing and walking, with some sitting. Occasional lifting, carrying, & pushing of up to 50 lbs Mental: Requires attention to detail, organization, and the ability to maintain in high stress environments Environment: Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution. Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people’s diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities. It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.