IMEC Executive Operations Internship

Executive Operations Internship (Must be a Bradley University Student)

Summary /Purpose:

The Executive Operations Intern will work closely with IMEC's President to support strategic initiatives, organizational operations, and engagement with Illinois manufacturers. This role provides a unique opportunity to gain direct exposure to executive leadership while learning how a nonprofit organization drives impact across the manufacturing sector.

The Intern will assist in communication, research, data analysis, and operational coordination efforts that support IMEC's mission to help small and mid-sized manufacturers grow and compete globally. This is an ideal opportunity for a student interested in business, marketing, manufacturing, or engineering who is eager to gain hands-on experience and insight into industry trends and organizational strategy.

While each internship term is flexible, students who demonstrate strong performance and interest may have the opportunity to extend their experience and take on new responsibilities across multiple terms.

Learning Outcomes / Internship Experience:

Through this internship, the Intern will:

• Gain direct exposure to executive leadership and organizational strategy
• Develop skills in research, communication, and data analysis
• Build an understanding of nonprofit operations and the manufacturing ecosystem in Illinois
• Strengthen professional skills including critical thinking, organization, and collaboration

Essential Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Executive & Strategic Support

• Support the President in executing strategic initiatives and organizational priorities
• Assist in communicating program initiatives and strategic plans to the Board, leadership team, and staff
• Participate in discussions and activities that support IMEC's mission and long-term impact

Operations & Organizational Effectiveness

• Review internal processes and workflows to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and effectiveness
• Assist with coordination of meetings, scheduling, and administrative support activities
• Support day-to-day operational needs as assigned

Research & Industry Insights

• Conduct research on challenges and trends impacting small and mid-sized manufacturers
• Assist in identifying opportunities to better serve manufacturers through IMEC programs and services
• Support brainstorming and development of new ideas and initiatives

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Compile narrative, financial, and statistical data related to IMEC's operations
• Assist in creating reports, summaries, and presentations, including data visualization and graphics
• Pull and analyze data from internal systems to support decision-making

Relationship Management & Outreach

• Support the development and maintenance of relationships with key partners and stakeholders
• Assist in coordinating communication with IMEC partners, clients, and external organizations
• Help represent and promote IMEC's mission to internal and external audiences

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in:

Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, or related field

• Academic standing:

Early-stage undergraduate students preferred to support a longer-term internship experience and continued development

• Demonstrated interest in:
  Manufacturing, operations, business strategy, marketing, or economic development
• Skills and abilities:
  
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to conduct research and synthesize information
  • Creative thinking and problem-solving ability
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Language Skills:
Must be able to communicate effectively with community organizations, public stakeholders, third-party resources, client personnel, and employees at all organizational levels and to develop effective working relationships with staff and a network of technical resources.

Reasoning Ability:

Individual must be a team player with the ability to exercise independent, sound judgment and discretion; be able to plan; be well organized; work well under pressure; take initiative and be flexible and cooperative.

Physical Demands:

Position requires the ability to sit for long periods at a computer terminal. Some walking, standing, and bending are required.


Work Environment:

Team-oriented office environment with exposure to real-world business operations. Flexible scheduling to balance work responsibilities with academic commitments.

About IMEC

IMEC is a team of improvement specialists dedicated to providing manufacturers in Illinois with the tools and techniques to excel and compete globally. The experienced hands-on team at IMEC works closely with its clients to plan critical business improvements in all areas of their organization from: Lead their Company, Plan for Success, Grow their Business, Improve their Operations, Focus on their People, and Decide with Data.

With more than 50 full-time staff and partners positioned statewide, IMEC delivers the local expertise to not only plan and strategize, but to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of client improvements. In fact, IMEC assists more than 3,000 companies each year with successful business improvement projects.

As a result, IMEC has demonstrated a return on investment that exceeds 19:1. This is made possible as organizations become more effective and efficient.

IMEC team members enjoy their jobs because of the challenge in working with a variety of organizations in a broad range of industries. They also gain satisfaction from providing assistance and advisement to help organizations succeed in a demanding marketplace. Click HERE to learn more about IMEC.


IMEC and its Subrecipient organizations, including Bradley University, SIU, NIU, and UIC are EOE/AA/M/F/Disabled/Veteran Employers.

Thank you for your interest in employment at Bradley University. Some undergraduate students (with limited family resources as determined by the results of the FAFSA) qualify for Work Study funds to help offset costs of college. This is a federally-funded opportunity to earn "spending money" through part-time, on-campus employment. Eligibility for work-study does not guarantee you will find a campus job. Contact Financial Services for more information or to see if you qualify at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io