Internships

Special Olympics North Carolina is currently seeking interns to serve in various departments for the fall semester. The time commitment can vary from 20 to 40 hours a week, depending on the internship requirements. All intern positions are on a strictly volunteer basis.

Job descriptions for Athlete & Program DevelopmentSport, EventsCommunications, Development/Programming, Field Services and Healthy Athletes intern positions are listed below.

To learn more about SONC’s intern program or to express interest in a position, send a letter and resume to Katie Lockhart or mail to Special Olympics North Carolina, 2200 Gateway Centre Boulevard, Suite 201, Morrisville, NC 27560.

No phone calls please.

Title: Athlete & Program Development Intern – This position has been filled for Summer 2013.

Reports To: Senior Vice President of Sports Operations

Key Accountabilities:

  • Develop content for SONC website
  • Prepare and manage the athlete and coach selection process for the 2014 US Special Olympics National Games
  • 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
  • Promote the license plate fundraising program
  • Facilitate partnerships with organizations serving individuals with intellectual disabilities
  • Create plan for sport development at the local program (county) level
  • Assist with preparations for annual Leadership Conference
  • Assist with preparations for SONA Summit
  • Other responsibilities as assigned

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
  • Ability to travel as needed
  • Previous experience with Special Olympics, volunteers and Special Olympics athletes preferred

Work Schedule:

  • Suggested schedule: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for four days a week anytime Monday through Friday, with added evenings and weekends as position demands
  • Schedule is flexible and can vary week to week as necessary

Internship Location: Morrisville, NC

Computer Experience Requirements:

Experience with PC Microsoft Windows and the software programs associated with Windows in particular but not limited to Word, Excel, Access and Power Point.

Title: Sport Intern - This position has been filled for Summer 2013.

Reports To: Senior Sport Director

Key Accountabilities:

  • 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
  • Work in several databases to manage the sport calendar and supporting logistics (equipment, volunteers, etc.)
  • Assist with preparations for the fall season
  • Assist at Summer Games (May 31 – June 2)
  • Assist with preparations for annual Leadership Conference
  • Assist with preparations for SONA Summit
  • Other responsibilities as assigned

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
  • Ability to travel as needed
  • Previous experience with Special Olympics, volunteers and Special Olympics athletes preferred

Work Schedule:

  • Suggested schedule: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for four days a week anytime Monday through Friday, with added evenings and weekends as position demands
  • Schedule is flexible and can vary week to week as necessary

Internship Location: Morrisville, NC

Computer Experience Requirements:

Experience with PC Microsoft Windows and the software programs associated with Windows in particular but not limited to Word, Excel, Access and Power Point.

Title: Events Intern – This position has been filled for Summer 2013.

Reports To: Logistics Manager; Volunteers & Families Director

Key Accountabilities:

  • 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 responsibilities as assigned

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
  • Ability to travel as needed
  • Previous experience with Special Olympics, volunteers and Special Olympics athletes preferred

Work Schedule:

  • Suggested schedule: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for four days a week anytime Monday through Friday, with added evenings and weekends as position demands
  • Schedule is flexible and can vary week to week as necessary

Internship Location: Morrisville, NC

Computer Experience Requirements:

Experience with PC Microsoft Windows and the software programs associated with Windows in particular but not limited to Word, Excel, Access and Power Point.

Title: Communications Intern – This position has been filled for Summer 2013.

Reports To: Vice President of Communications

Key Accountabilities:

  • Public relations
  • Publications

As a communications intern, you will gain experience in the following:

  • Building relationships with the media
  • Writing, editing, proofing
  • Reporting/interviewing
  • Desktop publishing
  • Analytical thinking
  • Working with various computer software packages (Microsoft Word, InDesign, WordPress)
  • Operating in a business environment
  • Nonprofit management

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Maintain photo files
  • Maintain statewide news clippings
  • Write press releases as assigned
  • Assemble press kits
  • Attend state-level events and interact with the media as assigned
  • Write articles for website and quarterly newsletters as assigned
  • Write athlete and volunteer profiles
  • Assist in implementation of national public education campaign as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned by the VP of Communications

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
  • Weekend hours may be necessary due to certain special events

Internship Location: Morrisville, NC

Title: Development/Programming Intern – This position has been filled for Summer 2013.

Reports To: Development Director; Mecklenburg County Local Coordinator

Key Accountabilities:

  • Assist with general office management (i.e. typing, filing, copying, faxing)
  • 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
  • Assist the local Games Management Team with planning and implementing Special Olympics Mecklenburg County (SOMC) 2013 Spring Games
  • Work with the Charlotte Country Day School (CCDS) Media Director in promoting CCDS 30 Year Anniversary of hosting the SOMC Spring Games
  • Act as SONC liaison to Bojangles’ Coliseum event personnel in logistical planning for Spring Games Opening Ceremonies
  • Assist SOMC Volunteer Coordinator with volunteer recruitment and placement for Spring Games
  • Assist Camp SOAR committee with camp planning and implementation
  • Assist SOMC director with Project UNIFY duties as needed
  • Other duties as assigned by the Development Director and/or Mecklenburg County Local Coordinator

Qualifications:

  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • College degree emphasis in sports management, communications, non-profit management, business or related degree
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • Attend work regularly as scheduled
  • Have the ability to attend Special Olympics event and related functions as assigned
  • Represent the organization in a professional manner
  • Task oriented
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Good organizational and analytical skills

Computer Experience Requirements:

Experience with PC Microsoft Windows and the software programs associated with Windows in particular but not limited to Word, Excel, Access and Power Point.

Internship Location: Charlotte, NC

Title: Field Services Intern

Reports To: Vice President of Field Services & Program Innovations

Key Accountabilities:

  • Assist with the planning and implementation of at least one area event
  • Assist in the collection and analysis of data relating to athlete recruitment and local programs
  • Assist the VP of Field Services & Program Innovations in implementing local program service and/or athlete recruitment efforts for Special Olympics North Carolina
  • Assist with general office management (i.e., typing, filing, copying, faxing)
  • Other duties as assigned by the VP of Field Services & Program Innovations

As a field services intern, you will gain experience in the following:

  • Project management
  • Improving service delivery to grass roots efforts
  • Analytical thinking
  • Operating in a business environment
  • Nonprofit management
  • Event planning and management experience
  • Practical application of various computer software packages

Qualifications:

  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Good organizational and analytical skills; attention to detail required
  • Strong interpersonal skills and customer service attitude
  • Ability to work independently with scheduled regular contact with VP of Field Services & Program Innovations
  • Ability to travel to surrounding counties for events and projects

Work Schedule:

  • Flexible hours
  • Weekend and evening hours will be required
  • Travel to weekend events or local programs will be expected

Possible locations for 2013 Field Services internships:

  • Wilmington
  • Charlotte
  • Morrisville
  • Greensboro
  • Asheville
  • New Bern

To apply for a field services internship position, send letter of interest and cover letter to A’Lisa Tello, Vice President of Field Services & Program Innovations, or fax to 910-392-5722.

Title: Healthy Athletes Intern

Reports To: Vice President of Field Services & Program Innovations

Key Accountabilities:

  • Assist with the planning and implementation of at least one Healthy Athletes event
  • Assist in the collection and analysis of data relating to athlete health
  • Assist the vice president of field services & program innovations (or designee) in recruiting general volunteers, clinical staff, and clinical directors for the Healthy Athletes program
  • Assist with general office management (i.e., typing, filing, copying, faxing)
  • Other duties as assigned

As a healthy athletes intern, you will gain experience in the following:

  • Project management
  • Improving service delivery to grass roots efforts
  • Analytical thinking
  • Operating in a business environment
  • Nonprofit management
  • Event planning and management experience
  • Practical application of various computer software packages

Qualifications:

  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Good organizational and analytical skills; attention to detail required
  • Strong interpersonal skills and customer service attitude
  • Ability to work independently with scheduled regular contact with supervisor
  • Ability to travel to surrounding counties for events and projects

Work Schedule:

  • Flexible hours
  • Weekend and evening hours will be expected
  • Travel to events or meetings outside of the area will be required

Possible locations for 2013 Healthy Athletes internship(s):

  • Wilmington
  • Charlotte
  • Morrisville
  • Greensboro
  • Asheville
  • New Bern

To apply for this position, send a letter of interest and resume to A’Lisa Tello, Vice President of Field Services & Program Innovations, or fax to 910-392-5722. Be sure to include any school/class requirements for your internship in the letter.