Illinois Beef Association Summer Internship

Essential Job Functions:   
The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) is seeking a college student for a paid, full-time summer internship designed  to provide hands-on experience in the livestock industry and agricultural association field. The internship will  focus on member service, public outreach, event coordination, education, marketing and communications.  This position offers an opportunity to work alongside IBA staff, board members, affiliate leaders and beef  producers throughout Illinois while gaining experience in a wide range of association and industry programs. 


Position Details: 
  • Paid, full-time summer internship
  • May-August 2027 - start/end dates negotiable
  • Location: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Illinois
  • In-state travel required
  • Some evenings and weekends required
  • Reports to IBA Executive Vice President
Internship Responsibilities & Experiences: 
  • Member & Affiliate Engagement: Work with IBA staff to support summer affiliate programs and events, engaging IBA members and beef producers throughout Illinois; Help coordinate resources, materials, giveaways and industry leaders for events supported by IBA; Support IBA Board of Governors meetings and member engagement activities.
  • Education & Public Outreach: Represent IBA through Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom programs, presenting information and educational materials related to cattle farming and beef production; Assist with public outreach and educational activities throughout Illinois.
  • Junior Beef Programs & Events: Assist with junior beef programs, including the IJBA Points Show Program, data entry, show results and District Show Series activities; Work with IBA staff and the IJBA Board on execution of the E.D.G.E. Conference; Support IJBA events and programs during the Illinois State Fair and promotional activities at the DuQuoin State Fair; Support the Illinois Junior Beef Tour and other junior activities throughout the summer; Work with IBA staff and volunteers to support the Jackpot Heifer Show and other junior activities during the Illinois State Fair.
  • Illinois State Fair & Major Events: Support the planning and execution of IBA activities at the Illinois State Fair; Assist with registration, setup and giveaways for the IBA Annual Meeting & Awards program; Support staff and volunteers in the Ribeye Corral throughout the Illinois State Fair - duties will vary and require flexibility.
  • Marketing & Communications: Support marketing and communications initiatives, which may include social media content, Illinois Beef magazine articles, promotional materials and participation in the development of Beef. It's What's For Dinner. campaign materials.
  • Office & Administration Support: Assist with day-to-day office activities, including answering phones and assisting with mail, shipping and distribution of beef industry materials; Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Vice President.
Qualifications: 
  • Must be currently enrolled in a college or university.
  • Interest in agriculture, livestock, beef production, agricultural communications, marketing, event management or a related field preferred.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
  • Comfortable interacting with producers, association members, volunteers, youth and the general public.
  • Ability to adapt to a varied schedule and changing priorities.
  • Previous experience in agriculture, livestock communications, events or customer/member service is beneficial but no required.
What you will gain: 
  • This internship provides hands-on experience in agricultural association management and the beef industry, with opportunities to develop skills in the following - event planning and execution; member and producer relations; public speaking and agricultural education; marketing and communications; social media and content development; livestock and junior beef programs; professional networking within the Illinois agricultural community; and day-to-day operations of a statewide agricultural association.
How to apply: 
  • Complete the online internship application and submit a cover letter and resume along with it here by October 31, 2026.