POSITION TITLE:  Penske Entertainment Sustainability Intern, College Program

DEPARTMENT:  Sustainability

REPORTS TO:  Penske Entertainment Sustainability Program Leader

POSITION LOCATION: Indianapolis, IN

FLSA STATUS:  Non-Exempt

WORKER CATEGORY:  Intern

DURATION: February 2025 – August 2025

COMPANY SUMMARY:   

Penske Entertainment is a leading provider of world-class sports and entertainment. The organization consists of three prominent entities:

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and annually hosts the world’s most prestigious auto race: the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
• INDYCAR is 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 is a multifaceted broadcast and multimedia division that helps bring INDYCAR and IMS events to life for global audiences.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Penske Entertainment Sustainability Intern is responsible for supporting all sustainability initiatives across the three business units (Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDYCAR, and IMSP).  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 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.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Partner with Penske Entertainment business units (IMS, IMSP, INDYCAR) 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 team members.
• Other projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Education

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Sustainability background preferred, but not required.

Skills/Experience

• 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.

Travel/Work Hours

• While general office hours are 8:30am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday this position requires working many weekends as well as evening hours based upon our business needs. Flexibility and adaptability are key skills needed for this role.
• Travel to INDYCAR races and/or outside events may be needed.
• Must be available to work weekends when IMS is open to the public.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• While this internship is 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

 The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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 EMPLOYER:

Penske Entertainment provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities and/or events.

Experience

Preferred

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