Venango Area Chamber of Commerce Internship

SUMMER 2025

About Us: The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to building a strong local economy, while strengthening, enhancing and protecting all business in the oil region.

The Chamber was founded in 2005, following a consolidation of the Cranberry Business and Professional Association and the Oil City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Major areas of Chamber focus include education, business advocacy, leadership, and young professional development.

The membership of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce represents the entire community with members from business and industry, private associations, civic organizations, home based businesses, social service agencies, education, government, and individuals. Over 450 member firms, representing over 2,000 individuals, believe Chamber membership is one of the best ways to help develop jobs in our community and grow their businesses!

The Chamber strives to keep programs current and responsive to the demands of Venango’s current business climate, acting as a bridge that links businesses, organizations and residents together with innovative programs that strengthen Venango County’s long-term economic vitality, business success, job creation and quality of life. We provide several ways for our members to enhance their credibility, gain recognition, have a voice in issues affecting business, improve their bottom lines, get involved through networking events and volunteering, and so much more.

In Venango County, we’ve found that, in business development as in business itself, collaboration, and teamwork pay off.

Learn more about the Venango Chamber here: venangochamber.org

Objective: This is a highly responsible position at the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce for a person to assist the Executive Assistant and Chamber President with the day-to-day operations of the office, as well as special events. To be most successful in this position, the applicant should be willing to take directions and be self-motivated to identify work needed to be done. They will additionally be willing to seek solutions and answers to any task or question before them.

Time Required: 30 to 37.5 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime during the OHF week. The successful candidate must be available to work during OHF, including extended hours.

Compensation: $10-12 per hour

Location: 100 Seneca Street, Oil City. This position may require occasional travel within Venango County.

 

 

Key Responsibilities:

Customer service –   greet Chamber visitors, answer telephones, take messages, collect & distribute local community information, follow-up on customer/member inquiries and help chamber members.
Communications – the ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, in writing and social media, assisting in building newsletter content and in creating and posting social media content.  Graphic design skills are a plus.
Clerical duties – word processing, computer data entry, internet research, prepare bulk mailings, maintain member records in database, handle membership information, confidential files may be involved in gathering information and messages may be of confidential nature.
Event Planning – support chamber programs and participate in chamber events.  Preparation for events may include, but not be limited to, taking detailed reservations, preparing event supplies (banners, ribbons, posters, promotional materials, tickets. Etc.) and attending events.
Festival Support – make follow-up calls for sponsorships and donations, assist in festival preparation, be available for extended hours during Oil Heritage Festival. 
Other Duties – assist in care and upkeep of the chamber office, which may include organizing files, moving supplies within the office and to off-site storage. Light housekeeping may include waste removal, dusting, vacuuming, and washing dishes.
Required Skills:

Strong abilities/interest in social media management, community engagement, and event planning
Deep commitment to community development and ability to work effectively within a team
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
Mild physical fitness (Ability to lift 30 pounds)
Skills in photography, videography, and modern communication platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok) are a plus
Qualifications:

·        Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in a related field (example: community development, planning, business, marketing, communications, political science, or related degree)

·        Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including community members, volunteers, and stakeholders

·        Genuine interest in community engagement

·        Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed for community events and meetings

Job functions and activities:

This employee must be capable of accomplishing the following tasks: sitting for lengthy periods at a workstation; working with frequent interruptions to assist office visitors; bending to load computer paper into printer; moving, bending, stretching and reaching to access records and files; writing legibly to complete various forms; using manual dexterity and eye coordination for use in computer data entry and calculator manipulations; visually auditing various reports and computer reports for accuracy; thinking and working independently; communicating clearly and courteously with members, employees, governmental contacts, and customers, in person, over the telephone and in written form; working varied hours to accommodate meeting times; working under stress associated with meeting multiple deadlines.

Work Environment:

This employee works at a desk with periodic public contact in an open area. The job functions are generally performed during the normal workday (between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.) with some options to attend evening or after-hour meetings and events, both on site and occasionally off site. Equipment used includes a desk, telephone, copier, personal computer, as well as various computer software programs.

This employee may be alone in the office at times and may be responsible for opening or closing of the office on occasion.

Why Join Us?

Working at the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce will afford any engaged employee or volunteer with opportunities to learn and develop new skills in many areas, while creating a valuable network.

The ideal candidate will gain priceless experience in community development, significantly broaden their professional capabilities, and make meaningful contributions in a nurturing and team-oriented setting. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in work that not only fosters community involvement and empowerment but also drives sustainable positive transformation in Venango County.

The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work atmosphere, where interns can learn, grow, and effectuate change.

To apply: Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a resume and a cover letter that details their interest in the internship and relevant qualifications to swilliams@venangochamber.org.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.