StartingBlock is Wisconsin’s largest community of entrepreneurs, startups, investors, accelerators, and entrepreneur support organizations. Our mission is to create the meaningful intersections that cultivate entrepreneurs, accelerate startup growth, drive innovation and build a startup community that gives back.

Our core values:

Think Big.  Success requires thinking big, even when the company is still small.  StartingBlock helps entrepreneurs find and actualize big ideas into successful companies by connecting, pushing and challenging them (and us) constantly.

Fear Less.  Turning dreams into reality demands tackling obstacles fearlessly.  StartingBlock empowers entrepreneurs to fear less by creating meaningful support networks, connecting entrepreneurs to resources, and understanding that failures are temporary.

Listen Deeply.  Making a difference means listening deeply—to yourself and to others.  StartingBlock creates inclusive conversations and opportunities for like and unlike minds to collaborate and support each other.

Membership Engagement Intern 

Membership Engagement interns will work directly with StartingBlock’s Membership Manager to ensure that our members are receiving the top notch care that we pride ourselves on. Throughout the internship, you will interact with the entire organization, attend team meetings and have opportunities to interface with senior business leaders and program speakers, and network with Madison’s startup community. In addition to learning how to develop and execute effective membership programs, interns will be provided opportunities to develop critical business-related skills including project management, organization, research and data analysis, database management, marketing, and communications.

Internship Responsibilities:

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain membership database to make sure all directory information is up to date for both members and partner organizations.
• Assist in potential new member research – conduct research various industries and potential member companies, and which startups and social impact entrepreneurs would be well served by StartingBlock.
• Assist in the retention process of individual member.
• Respond to inquiries for more information from prospective members.
• Solicit member feedback on programming and member benefits. Create and present reports on continuous improvement opportunities for member benefits.
• Assist in coordination of member engagement programs associated with forums, and virtual networking events.
• When possible, attend & staff programs to walk up member services. Some early mornings may be required..
• Attend and participate at Membership Team meetings and internal staff meetings.
• Administrative tasks and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Ability to learn quickly
• Ability to work independently, including prioritization of tasks and self-management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work in a team environment
• Excellent writing skills and willingness to use them
• Willingness to experiment, to learn, and to be creative
• Proficient in social media, Slack, e-media.
• Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs. and stand for an hour unassisted
• Must have own computer or laptop.

Internship Duration and Hours: 10-20 hours a week. Schedule TBD upon placement and availability.

Compensation: StartingBlock offers class credit and a stipend.

How to Apply: Fill out the Application Form Below

Marketing and Community Relations Intern 

We are looking for someone who gets and loves community building and who is passionate about communication, someone with the communication skills and personality to build trusted relationships with our members and partners. If you like building communities, are passionate about working with entrepreneurs, and enjoy using your writing skills to help entrepreneurs succeed, then this internship is a great fit for you!

Internship Responsibilities:

This internship reports directly to the StartingBlock Community Manager.

As a Communication and Community Relations intern you will:

• Be responsible for regular content posting to the StartingBlock Facebook page, Instagram account, and LinkedIn page. You will have input on the content and narrative of your posts and help StartingBlock continue to grow our online presence.
• Work with the Community manager to produce and curate our bi-weekly newsletter. You will be responsible for the first draft of a newsletter that goes out to thousands of entrepreneurs in the Madison area.
• Assist the Community Manager on the running of the Social Impact Cohort. You will get familiar with the eleven Social Impact companies currently participating in the cohort and help them get the most out of workshops and relationships here at StartingBlock.
• Participate in regular team meetings and be a valued addition to the StartingBlock team.

Requirements:

• Creative self-starter who is comfortable with both taking initiative and working in collaboration
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Familiar with social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive
• Entrepreneurship, marketing, communications coursework
• Work with Adobe CS a plus
• Experience editing websites a plus
• A personal computer or laptop to complete internship projects and tasks

Internship Duration and Hours: 10-20 hours a week. Schedule TBD upon placement and availability.

Compensation: StartingBlock offers class credit and a stipend.

How to Apply: Fill out the Intern Application Form