Support your downtown!
Internships
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance has been privileged to work with interns from a variety of disciplines, each bringing a unique set of skills and talents to the organization. During their time with us, interns gain valuable professional experience and marketable skills that will assist them post-graduation. This is not a "paper-pushing" postion. Be prepared to become an active, contributing member of our small staff and to make a visual impact on downtown Harrisonburg and the community!
We are currently accepting applications.
We are now accepting applications for an Organizational Management Internship.
Quotes from former interns:
"I can't express how appreciative I am to have been able to work with such a genuine and hard-working group of people. Your efforts to revitalize downtown Harrisonburg are contagious, and I wholeheartedly respect and believe in HDR's mission to make Harrisonburg a better place to live, eat, and play." - Conor Kiely, JMU Psychology, HDR Intern Fall 2011
"I found it most valuable having tangible, completed projects as a source of accomplishment and portfolio enhancement. All the tasks were a part of the 'big picture' of helping downtown to be even better."- Teresa Bayes, Mary Baldwin Business Administration, HDR intern Spring 2007
"I greatly appreciate you all allowing me to work on a number of different projects. I learned a great deal about the non-profit world and I will carry the lessons I learned with me in my future endeavors." - Meredith Harris, JMU Anthropology/Nonprofit Studies, HDR intern Fall 2006
"I have to say that if it wasn't for my internship, I would not know half of the things I need to know to survive in my current graduate program. A lot of the practical things I did and even the things I thought were trivial seem to be integral in planning, so I'm once again grateful for the experience."- Tiffany Tran, currently enrolled in VCU Urban and Regional Planning graduate program, HDR intern Summer 2006
Jobs
There are currently no job openings available.
Volunteer with HDR!
Each year, 100+ HDR volunteers contribute over 11,000 hours of service and expertise to make downtown Harrisonburg a better place. According to Independent Sector, the leadership forum for charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs, the estimated dollar value of this volunteer time is over $206,000 per year! HDR is extremely appreciative of all the help we receive from our volunteers; they are truly the backbone of the organization.
We have opportunities for members of the community with varying interests and amounts of time to dedicate. Whether you only have an hour to give or would like to take a more active role in the work of HDR, we would love to speak with you! Please contact us at hdr@harrisonburgva.gov or call 540.432.8922.
Current Volunteer Needs:
COMMITTEES
Design Committee Member
Estimated time involved: 1 hour per month with additional hours if necessary
Description: Serve on the committee that promotes the physical appearance of downtown by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, and beautifying the streetscape. Past projects include the planters on Court Square and holiday lights for downtown trees.
Organization Committee Member
Estimated time involved: 1 hour per month from June-February and 2 hours per month from March-May.
Description: Serve on the committee that puts on an annual Renaissance Night fundraiser (May), organizes an annual public meeting (October), considers new methods of fundraising, helps recruit and reward volunteers, and helps develop ways to keep the public informed about what's happening downtown.
Promotion Committee Member
Estimated time involved: 1 hour per month, with additional hours as necessary.
Description: Serve on the committee that markets the downtown district to potential customers, investors, new businesses, citizens, and visitors through effective strategies and special events.
Special Event Sub-Committee Member
Estimated time involved: 1 or more hours per months for 6-10 months per year, depending on the event.
Description: Subcommittee members help to plan and staff the event and may help with finding sponsors and logistical details.
- Renaissance Night – May
- Valley 4th – July
- Block Party in the 'Burg - August
- Halloween on the Square – October
- Downtown Holiday Tour – December
- First Night – New Year's Eve
- General Special Event Volunteer
OTHER VOLUNTEER POSITIONS:
Special Event Day-of Volunteer
Estimated time involved: 1 day
Description: Variety of roles including assistance at information booths, special activities, set-up, or break-down.
Downtown Street Team Volunteer
Estimated time involved: 1-2 hours per week, from once a month to every week.
Description: Help get the word out about what's happening downtown through active, hands-on marketing. Distribute promotional materials, develop relationships with downtown businesses, and interact with the community.
Administrative Volunteer
Estimated time involved: 1-2 hours per week, from once a month to every week.
Description: Help with administrative projects like letter-writing, copying, taking photos, scrapbooking, or updating the website, depending on skills and interests.
Building and Business Inventory Volunteer
Estimated Time Involved: 1-2 hours per week
Description: Assist with a complete business inventory of downtown Harrisonburg. Includes completing a form containing the following information from downtown businesses: # of employees, assessed value and taxes, availability for sale or rent, total square footage, building amenities, and building condition.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships are available for Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance's events. Festivals, fundraisers, and other events each attract a unique and diverse audience. To learn more about opportunities and discuss the best fit for your business, please call 540-432-8922 or email hdr@harrisonburgva.gov.
Click below to pay if you have already arranged your sponsorship. Thank you!