Special Olympics North Carolina recruits interns to serve in various departments. The time commitment can vary from 10 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.
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
We Provide:
- Leadership opportunities
- 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
General 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
Suggested 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
To Apply
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.
Intern Positions
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
Hiring for:
- Spring, summer and 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 duties as assigned
Internship Location: Morrisville
Reports To: Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Hiring for:
- Summer and fall
Key Accountabilities:
- Digital Media Strategy
- Traditional Media
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
- Assisting in video editing
- Designing publications for various events and campaigns
- Writing/editing press releases
- Other duties as assigned
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 16 hours per week is required
- 2-3 days a week in the office or a hybrid schedule
- Weekend hours may be necessary due to certain special events
Internship Location: Morrisville
Reports To: VP of Development for NC Law Enforcement Torch Run
Hiring for:
- Spring, summer and 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 or remote
Reports To: Operations Director, Volunteer Engagement Director or Event Director
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Maintain equipment database for area-level, state-level and fundraising events
- Make preliminary connections for meals, housing and transportation for events
- Work with in-house volunteers to pull equipment for events
- Assist with recruitment of volunteers for area- and state-level events
- Manage volunteer contact and participation information
- Manage in-house volunteer program, including but not limited to recruitment, assignment, supervision, motivation and recognition
- 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 several spring events, including one of two regional basketball tournaments, assisting with competition and logistics
- Develop content for SONC website and monthly newsletter
- Other duties as assigned
Work Schedule:
- Suggested schedule: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for four days a week anytime Monday through Friday, with added evening and weekends as position demands.
- Schedule is flexible and can vary week to week as necessary
Internship Location: Morrisville, NC
Qualifications
Required:
- Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills;
- Demonstrated knowledge of computers and system/software programs utilized by SONC;
- Possess a valid driver’s license;
- Ability to travel as needed.
Preferred:
- Previous experience with Special Olympics, volunteers and Special Olympics athletes
- Proficiency in Microsoft Access
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 duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Experienced in data collection and analytics
- Current graduate student preferred
Internship Location: Morrisville or remote location
Report to: Local Coordinator
Hiring for:
- Spring, summer and 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
- Other duties as assigned
Internship Location: Charlotte
Reports To: Wellness Manager
Description:
SO Good is an 8-week Unified fitness and wellness program offered by Special Olympics North Carolina for the benefit of persons with and without intellectual disabilities and their communities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leading inclusive workouts for individuals of all ages and abilities
- Creating inclusive fitness, nutrition, and wellness materials
- Communicating with teachers and coordinators
- Recruiting and instructing volunteers
- Data collection and tracking
Schedule
- 12 -15 hours per week
- Flexible, can vary from week to week
- August 4 – November 26
Internship Location: Remote/hyrbid, must be based in Morrisville area
Reports To: Senior Director of Sports
Hiring for:
- Spring, summer and 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 duties as assigned
Internship Location: Morrisville
Reports To: Development Director for Fundraising
Hiring for:
- Spring, summer and fall
Description:
As a Triad/Charlotte fundraising intern, you’ll be right in the middle of some of Special Olympics North Carolina’s most exciting fundraising events, including the Triad Chill Polar Plunge, Queen City Chill Polar Plunge, Truck Convoy and Greensboro Unified Fore Joy Topgolf Pro-Am.
Your mission? Help us recruit enthusiastic participants and teams, spread the word in the community, and bring our events to life. You’ll gain hands-on experience in fundraising event planning and operations, sponsorship outreach and participant engagement, all while making a meaningful impact for nearly 53,000 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners across the state.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Drive participation by building relationships in the community and recruiting teams
- Assist in researching, planning, and coordinating fundraising events
- Communicate with participants, vendors, and sponsors to keep events running smoothly
- Help implement Special Olympics North Carolina’s fundraising strategies
- Collect and analyze data to increase giving
- Jump in on other exciting projects as needed, no two days are the same!
- Other duties as assigned
Internship Location: Remote, some in-person opportunities
Reports To: Development Director for Fundraising
Hiring for:
- Spring, summer and fall
Description:
As a Triangle Area fundraising intern, you’ll be right in the middle of some of Special Olympics North Carolina’s most exciting fundraising events, including the Durham Unified Fore Joy Topgolf Pro-Am, Over the Edge Raleigh and Plane Pull.
Your mission? Help us recruit enthusiastic participants and teams, spread the word in the community and bring our events to life. You’ll gain hands-on experience in fundraising event planning and operations, sponsorship outreach, and participant engagement, all while making a meaningful impact for nearly 53,000 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners across the state.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Drive participation by building relationships in the community and recruiting teams
- Assist in researching, planning and coordinating fundraising events
- Communicate with participants, vendors, and sponsors to keep events running smoothly
- Help implement Special Olympics North Carolina’s fundraising strategies
- Collect and analyze data to increase giving
- Jump in on other exciting projects as needed, no two days are the same!
- Other duties as assigned
Internship Location: Morrisville, also remote opportunities
Reports to: Senior Director of Youth Initiatives
Key Accountabilities:
- Assist with Unified Champion Schools website updates.
- Work with various apps and software packages (Canva, GooseChase, Microsoft Access).
- Attend games management team meetings, local committee meetings, and staff meetings to assist with overall planning of Unified Champion Schools events.
- Manage preparations for the annual Spread the Word: Inclusion Rally.
- Manage preparations for the annual Youth Leadership Experience.
- Update and maintain school contact information in the SONC Database.
- Assist Unified Champion Schools with the completion of the annual University of Massachusetts survey.
- Participate in professional development trainings and opportunities made available through Special Olympics North Carolina.
- 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:
- Flexible hours with a minimum of two days in the Special Olympics North Carolina office.
- Evenings and weekends may be necessary for certain special events.
Internship Location: Morrisville or Charlotte
Computer Experience Requirements:
Experience with PC Microsoft Windows and the software programs associated with Windows but not limited to Word, Excel, Access and Power Point.
Reports To: Volunteer Engagement Director
Hiring for:
- Spring, summer and 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
