Commercial Partnership Intern

Overview

Who we are

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) is looking for motivated, high-performing students who are eager to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment. TRD inspires the hearts and minds of racing fans by advancing automotive engineering and maximizing racetrack success.

A TRD internship provides students with valuable learning opportunities outside the classroom while working alongside experienced professionals in the motorsports and automotive industry.

As a TRD intern, you will be an integral part of the team and will receive assignments that are both technically challenging and educationally stimulating.

Position Details

• Position: Commercial Partnership Intern
• Schedule: 12 Weeks, 40 hours per week
• Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Term: Summer 2027 (May-August)
• Eligibility: Rising Senior enrolled in a bachelor's degree program.

Position Summary

The Commercial Partnership Intern will support the TRD Commercial Partnership team with communications, partnership management, and business development. This role offers direct, hands-on experience in sports marketing, client relations, and digital content distribution in high-level professional motorsports. Working collaboratively with cross-functional departments, the intern will help craft compelling stories, support brand partner activations, business development research, and track communications performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and manage dynamic email marketing tool(s) to support partnership management, business development, and communications efforts (i.e., digital newsletter, LinkedIn content, etc.).
•  Manage design layout, content scheduling, editorial creation, previewing, and the approval process.
• Set up and manage audience databases using email marketing / CRM software platforms (i.e., MailChimp or other).
• Interact with various TRD departments to assess and gather stories and newsworthy content (including supporting photography and videography assets).
• Assist the Commercial Team with regular client performance reporting, including gathering trackside and digital imagery assets, compiling metrics, and proofreading presentations prior to partner distribution.
• Support the development of comprehensive partner Case Studies highlighting TRD collaboration initiatives and demonstrating measurable ROI.
• Collaborate with the commercial team on the creation of new materials (i.e., at-track itineraries, gifting, and merchandise).
• Set up, update, and manage interactive digital presentation platforms.
• Assist the Business Development team with industry research and prospecting.
• Provide at-track and special event support and guest management, as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor’s degree program, pursuing a field of study in Business, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Sports Management, or Journalism.
• Rising senior with a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA required).
• Proficient with MS Office programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Experience with email marketing tools and design software such as Adobe, InDesign, Canva, or similar is desired but not required.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines with limited supervision.
• Ability and willingness to travel if necessary and work select weekends or holidays in support of race events and partner hospitality.
• Must be located in Indiana. Candidates willing to self-relocate are welcome to apply; the intern is solely responsible for all relocation, temporary housing, and daily transportation arrangements and expenses.

What the Intern Gains

• Real-World Sports Marketing Experience: Hands-on experience executing integrated partner marketing, corporate communications, and sponsorship activation in elite professional motorsports.
• Content & Editorial Campaign Management: Practical experience running end-to-end digital communications, managing CRM/audience databases, and producing executive-level newsletters and social content.
• Client Reporting & Analytics Proficiency: Direct training in client reporting and developing impactful commercial case studies.
• Business Development Experience: Exposure to the partnership sales lifecycle, including industry analytics, prospect research, and building presentation database platforms.
• Event Operations & VIP Hospitality Skills: Experiential learning through trackside activations, special event coordination, and guest management in a high-stakes racing environment.
• Cross-Functional Industry Exposure: Broad collaboration across engineering, public relations, creative media, and executive teams within a world-class automotive performance brand.

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to talent.acquisition@toyota.com.