Internships
Special Olympics Southern California loves interns! Applications are accepted throughout the year for a variety of positions within our nonprofit organization. Internships are available in marketing and communications, event planning and corporate sponsorships, sports management or human resources and volunteer management. If you’re an enthusiastic self-starter who works independently and you have excellent organizational and communication skills, please consider Special Olympics.
 "I received great real-life experience working for Special Olympics that will help me to build an impressive resume when I graduate from college. In addition to helping with the news media, sports competitions and copywriting, I loved working with the athletes and got to meet a lot of celebrities. I'd recommend Special Olympics to anyone." - Katie Gilliland, Taylor University, Indiana |
While interns are unpaid, they can receive school credit, depending on their school’s requirements. Candidates must have good computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office software. We are looking for self-starters with excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills.
We also have volunteer opportunities available for everyone. The time commitment for Special Olympics volunteers varies from a few hours per year at specific events to working several hours a week year-round. For more information on volunteering, please visit our Volunteers page.
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume that highlights your experience and career goals to the e-mail address below that is specified with each internship.
Internships Available
EVENT MANAGEMENT: This internship is for those interested in gaining practical experience in the areas of sport event logistics and event management. The Event Management Interns will work directly with the Games Organizing Committee to create an outstanding experience for all involved with Summer Games. Responsibilities will include management of volunteer groups assigned to delegation arrival, assisting at Games Headquarters, and providing sport venue support. Attendance at Summer Games (June 7-9) is required for this internship. Contact: Crystal Pauley, cpauley@sosc.org
GAMES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INTERN: Assist with SOSC’s Games Management System as it pertains to the Spring Season leading up to and during Summer Games. Work closely with the Games Organizing Committee to create an outstanding experience with aquatics, athletics (track and field), bocce, basketball, golf, and gymnastics. Assist with management of GMS volunteers placed at assigned sport venues, Games Headquarters, and various projects during the Spring Season. Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel. Good verbal and written communication skills. Prefer three years of completed Sports Management college courses or current graduate students studying in the field of Sports Management. Minimum two years completed college business courses. This internship is available from March to June. Attendance at Summer Games (June 7-9) is required for this internship. Contact: Rachel Turner, rturner@sosc.org
HUMAN RESOURCES AND VOLUNTEER SERVICES INTERN: This is a perfect opportunity to gain practical experience in the areas of Volunteer Services and Human Resources Management. The HR & VS Interns will work with our Human Resources Department to provide support with employee recruitment, benefits, policies, and volunteer management. They will also work closely with our chapter Volunteer Manager to assist with all phases of volunteer recruitment, online registration, and training for our Summer Games and Fall Games championships. Strong data entry skills and attendance at our 2013 Summer Games on June 7-9 is required for this internship. Contact: Crystal Pauley, cpauley@sosc.org
LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN CAMPAIGN (LETR): Works closely with the Assistant Vice President, Development, LETR, to further develop the LETR campaign. Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraising program and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics worldwide. The campaign consists of working with local law enforcement agencies to plan, create marketing materials for, and manage the fundraising events specific to the campaign. In addition the intern will create logistics and handle sponsorship sales for the actual Torch Run that occurs annually in June throughout Southern California. Intern will assist on the Torch Run Route with various logistics and other related duties. Contact: Richard Fernandez, rfernandez@sosc.org
MAJOR GIFTS INTERN: Assists the Assistant Vice President, Major Gifts to work on grant and event projects. Projects include grant proposal research and writing, working with constituent relationships, assisting at events, and assisting with reports. Strong writing and organizational skills required. Please provide writing samples in addition to a cover letter and resume. Please note that a minimum 6-month commitment is required for this internship. Contact: Monica McDade, mmcdade@sosc.org
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS: Assists the Assistant Vice President for Communications & Marketing to promote events, sports competitions and athletes. Projects include writing, working with news media, updating Web site content, assisting at events, submitting calendar items for publication and assisting with public relations. Strong writing and organizational skills required. Please provide writing samples in addition to cover letter and resume. Please note that a minimum 6-month commitment is required for this internship. Contact: Brian Szczerbinski, brian@sosc.org
SPECIAL EVENTS AND CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS: This is a great position for anyone interested in fundraising and special events management. The intern will work closely with the Manager of Special Events to help coordinate event guest lists, procure in-kind goods and services, coordinate event supplies and delivery, manage post-event acknowledgements, and manage relationships with select vendors and donors. Contact: Maureen Barclift, mbarclift@sosc.org
CHAPTER SPORTS MANAGEMENT: This is a great position for those interested in gaining experience in sports management. Work closely with Special Olympics staff in Gardena, California to provide hands-on support in planning and developing Chapter Championships, assist with the development of athlete and coach recruitment practices, assist with the delivery of coach education programs and courses, and more. This internship is available either February 1 to June 15 or August 1 to December 15. Contact: Crystal Pauley, cpauley@sosc.org
REGIONAL SPORTS AND EVENT MANAGEMENT: Work closely with local Special Olympics staff to provide hands-on support in planning and developing Regional and local sport competitions and assist with managing the sports training seasons; registration for “away” competitions, volunteer recruitment and management; and coaches education and management. Also work with Parks & Recreation or other community resources and manage equipment inventories. Contact: Laura Seckel, lseckel@sosc.org
WEB INTERN: Assist the Communications Manager with maintaining and furthering Special Olympics Southern California's online presence. Projects include managing the website and fundraising sites, updating social media channels, writing website content, building emails, promoting events online, creating graphics, and editing photos. Knowledge of Content Management Systems, HTML, CSS, web design, and photo editing required. Prior writing experience recommended. To apply, please email brian@sosc.org a cover letter, resume, and writing samples.