Special Olympics North Carolina is currently seeking interns to serve in various departments for fall 2021. The time commitment can vary from 15 to 24 hours a week, depending on the internship requirements and event schedule. Internships will include virtual work and some may include some time at our office or at events. All intern positions are on a strictly volunteer basis.
To learn more about SONC’s intern program or to express interest in a position, send a cover letter and resume to volunteers@sonc.net or mail to:
Special Olympics North Carolina
2200 Gateway Centre Boulevard, Suite 201,
Morrisville, NC 27560
If you are applying for a communications internship, please also send three writing samples with one being a feature story. Other examples of writing samples could be a press release or media alert.
No phone calls please.
We provide:
- Leadership opportunities
- LinkedIn training
- Professional headshot
- Professional experience
- Possibility to attend relevant training sessions and networking events
- Opportunity to participate in planning the best event of the year for many of our athletes
Intern Qualifications:
- Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of computers and system/software programs utilized by SONC
- Possess a valid driver’s license or have transportation to/from work
- Ability to travel as needed
- Experience with PC Microsoft Windows and the software programs associated with Windows
- Experience with graphic design or video production helpful for Communications interns
- Occasional nights/weekends
Intern Work Schedule:
- Suggested spring or fall schedule: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for two or three days a week anytime Monday through Friday, with occasional added evenings and weekends as position demands
- Suggested summer schedule: 2-3 full days per week in office or a mix of office and remote work
- Schedule is flexible and can vary week to week as necessary
Is Special Olympics North Carolina Right For You?
We encourage you to apply if:
- You have experience successfully working alongside diverse and determined individuals
- Your skills, experiences and interests relate to the job description of the role in which you are applying with SONC
- You have a passion for social inclusion and equality
- You’re a self-starter and committed to the greater good
- You drive for results, are bottom-line oriented, and steadfastly push yourself and others for results
- You enjoy navigating unforeseen challenges and working through ambiguity
- You’re only satisfied when the job is completely finished
- You’re generous with your time and enjoy flexibility
- You’re an exceptional team player with a great work ethic
- You have an unquenchable thirst to be at the heart of social change
- You enjoy giving unwavering attention to detail and possess high levels of organization
Intern Positions
Reports To: Senior Vice President
Hiring for:
- Fall
Key Accountabilities:
- Develop content for SONC website
- Analyze various sets of information to utilize in strategic planning
- Update and revise various event materials
- Research and secure various sports facilities across the state
- Facilitate partnerships with organizations serving individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Assist with grant management reporting
- Other responsibilities as assigned
Internship Location: Morrisville
Reports To: Director of Digital Media
Hiring for:
- Fall
Key Accountabilities:
- Digital Media Strategy
As a communications intern, you will gain experience in the following:
- Website editing and management
- Writing, editing, proofing content
- Social media strategy
- Design and video editing
- Analytical thinking
- Working with various computer software packages (Microsoft Word, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Canva)
- Operating in a business environment
- Nonprofit management
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Managing organizational social media
- Implementing awareness and strategy in relation to virtual health and fitness program
- Assisting in video editing
- Designing publications for various events and campaigns
- Other duties as assigned by the Director of Digital Media
Qualifications:
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Good organizational and analytical skills; attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Good editing skills and knowledge of language, grammar, punctuation and style
- Must submit at least three writing samples (preferably feature stories) with application materials
Work Schedule:
- Flexible hours but at least 2 days a week in the office or a mix of remote work
- Weekend hours may be necessary due to certain special events
Internship Location: Morrisville or remote
Reports To: VP of Development for NC Law Enforcement Torch Run
Hiring for:
- Fall
Key Accountabilities:
- Assist with general office management (i.e. typing, filing, copying, faxing)
- Management of online fundraising platforms
- Communication with participants, vendors, and sponsors for upcoming sponsorship events
- Assist with the driving outside participation in fundraising events (Over the Edge Raleigh, Plane Pull, Polar Plunges, etc.)
- Assist with the research, planning, coordination and implementation of fund raising events
- Assist in implementing the fund raising plan for Special Olympics North Carolina
- Assist in the collection and analysis of data relating to fund raising for Special Olympics North Carolina
- Other duties as assigned
Internship Location: Morrisville
Reports To: Volunteer Engagement Director; Logistics Manager
Hiring for:
- Fall
Key Accountabilities:
- Develop a Green Plan for events
- Attend Venue Meetings with the Games Management Team / Logistics Manager
- Maintain appropriate data for events
- Make preliminary connections with green partners
- Develop a Green Team for Events
- Assist with recruitment of volunteers for events
- Manage volunteer contact and participation information
- Speak to volunteer groups on behalf of SONC
- Attend games management team meetings and event staff meetings to assist with overall planning of state-level events
- Work at various events, assisting with improving sustainability aspects
- Develop content for SONC website
- Other responsibilities as assigned
Background Info: Special Olympics North Carolina is committed to being environmentally conscious and we have many initiatives in-house including recycling of paper, plastics, can and even electronic recycling. We encourage people to use refillable water bottles, carpool etc. However, Special Olympics North Carolina faces challenges when it comes to sporting events. The main challenge being: how do you provide food and water for thousands of people at a remote facility with the least amount of waste? We are looking for an intern or group to take on this project beginning with our current Green Plan and developing it further including developing relationships with composting organizations and others who can help us.
Internship Location: Morrisville or Charlotte
Reports To: Volunteer Engagement Director
Hiring for:
- Fall
Key Accountabilities:
- Assist with the planning and implementation of at least one event
- Assist in the collection and analysis of data relating to volunteers
- Assist the Volunteer Engagement Director in recruiting general and specialized volunteers
- Assist with developing content for emails and website
- Other duties as assigned
Internship Location: Morrisville
Reports To: VP of Sports
Hiring for:
- Fall
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Update/create all documents supporting the sport program for the upcoming year (August to August)
- Develop content for SONC website
- Interview athletes for spotlight pieces on the website
- Develop in-house volunteer program, including but not limited to recruitment, assignment, supervision, motivation and recognition; recruit in-house volunteer manager to assist
- Work in several databases to manage the sport calendar and supporting logistics (equipment, volunteers, etc.)
- Work at several spring events assisting with competition and logistics
- Assist with preparations for the state-level Summer Games
- Other responsibilities as assigned
Internship Location: Morrisville
Reports To: Health Director
Hiring for:
- N/A
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Prepare annual health reports
- Collect and analyze local health and wellness data
- Analyze state-wide Healthy Athletes data
- Present data that will be able to reach a large target of stakeholders
- Other responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications:
- Experienced in data collection and analytics
- Current graduate student preferred
Internship Location: Morrisville or remote location
Report to: Assistant Youth Initiatives Director
Hiring for:
- Fall
Key Accountabilities:
- Provide planning and execution support for the Partner Up Power Up virtual fitness program
- Attend games management team meetings, local committee meetings, and staff meetings to assist with overall planning of Unified Champion Schools events
- Assist with preparations for the annual Spread the Word: Inclusion Rally
- Coordinate the logistics for and work at local and statewide Unified events/competitions as needed
- Participate in professional development trainings and opportunities made available through Special Olympics North Carolina
- Update and maintain school contact information
- Adhere to the policies and guidelines of Special Olympics North Carolina
- Other responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications:
- Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of computers and system/software programs utilized by Special Olympics North Carolina
- Ability to travel as needed
- Previous experience with Special Olympics preferred
- Completion of a successful background screening administered by Special Olympics North Carolina
Work Schedule:
- Interns will be expected to work 12-15 hours per week, including Wednesday or Thursday mornings
- Schedule is flexible and can vary week to week as necessary
Internship Location: Morrisville
Report to: Director of Inclusive Schools
Hiring for:
- Fall
Key Accountabilities:
- Provide planning and execution support for the Partner Up Power Up virtual fitness program
- Attend games management team meetings, local committee meetings, and staff meetings to assist with overall planning of Unified Champion Schools events
- Assist with preparations for the annual Spread the Word: Inclusion Rally
- Coordinate the logistics for and work at local and statewide Unified events/competitions as needed
- Participate in professional development trainings and opportunities made available through Special Olympics North Carolina
- Update and maintain school contact information
- Adhere to the policies and guidelines of Special Olympics North Carolina
- Other responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications:
- Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of computers and system/software programs utilized by Special Olympics North Carolina
- Ability to travel as needed
- Previous experience with Special Olympics preferred
- Completion of a successful background screening administered by Special Olympics North Carolina
Work Schedule:
- Interns will be expected to work 12-15 hours per week, including Wednesday or Thursday mornings
- Schedule is flexible and can vary week to week as necessary
Internship Location: Charlotte
Report to: Local Coordinator
Hiring for:
- Fall
Duties/ Responsibilities:
- Work with in-house volunteers to pull equipment for events
- Assist with recruitment of volunteers for events
- Manage volunteer contact and participation information
- Speak to volunteer groups on behalf of SONC
- Attend games management team meetings and event staff meetings to assist with overall planning of state-level events
- Assist with the planning and implementation of at least one event
- Assist in the collection and analysis of data relating to volunteers
- Assist the Volunteer Engagement Director in recruiting general and specialized volunteers
Internship Location: Charlotte
