Employment and Internships
Come work for one of the world’s most respected and recognizable philanthropic brands!
Since its inception in 1968, the mission of Special Olympics has remained at the forefront of what has become an international movement, providing sports, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. At Special Olympics Indiana (SOIN), we are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place — one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
Join our team and work toward our vision of an inclusive world for all, driven by the power of sport, through which people with intellectual disabilities live active, healthy and fulfilling lives. Learn more about our mission.
Special Olympics Indiana is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, neurodiversity, age, parental status, socio-economic background, military service or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.
Part-time Positions
Special Olympics Indiana offers internship opportunities year-round, allowing college students and recent graduates to gain hands-on career experience. Fall applications accepted May 1-Aug. 9; Spring applications accepted Oct. 1-Nov. 8; Summer applications accepted Feb. 1-March 8.
- Data Entry Assistant
- Champions Together Intern
- Health and Fitness Intern
- Marketing and PR Intern
- Sports and Programs Intern
- Special Events Intern
Data Entry Assistant
Department: Administration
Status: Contract, May-July (Seasonal, Part-time, Non-exempt)
Reports to: Manager of Health and Fitness and Sports Database Manager
Supervises: None
JOB SUMMARY
The Data Entry Assistant is responsible for providing data entry support sporadically throughout the year.
PERFORMANCE DIMENSIONS AND TASKS (Time Spent)
- Database and File Management (50%)
- Work extensively with the major databases for volunteers (VSYS), games (GMS), Healthy Athletes (OpenMRS), and donors (Raiser’s Edge); accurately inputting data, running reports and queries, and filing
- Games Entry (50%)
- Data entry from entry forms into sports database (GMS)
- Check for valid athlete and coach/chaperone compliancy and communicate missing information and applications to Sports Database Manager
QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: High school graduate
- Experience: Office assistant, data entry preferred
- Skills: Verbal and written communication, customer service orientation
- Technology: Microsoft Windows (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), databases
SPECIAL DEMANDS / OPPORTUNITIES
In-service training provided. Some work at events as scheduled. Contract offer is contingent on a successful background and credit check. Occasional physical requirements for event preparation.
BENEFITS
SOIN does not offer employee benefits for contractors.
LOCATION
SOIN headquarters is based on the northwest side of Indianapolis.
Champions Together Intern
Department: Sports & Programs
Reports to: Director of Champions Together, Director of Programs
Status: Part-time seasonal, unpaid
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Champions Together is the partnership between Special Olympics Indiana and the Indiana High School Athletic Association that was launched in 2013-14 and now sponsors 4 Unified Sports® state championships and has more than 300 Indiana high schools engaged in activities that provide opportunities for students both with and without intellectual disabilities. The purpose of this partnership is to encourage IHSAA member high schools to become Unified Champion Schools® that provide opportunities for all students to participate in Unified Sports®; inclusive leadership activities; student led efforts to promote respect, awareness, and inclusion; and fundraising for the benefit of Special Olympics goals through Champions Together.
Job Summary
We are interested in a wide variety of candidates whether your interests are in sports management, marketing, public relations, journalism, fundraising, media production, web design, social media or just working with high school students who want to change the world. This internship will be individually designed based on input from the successful candidate with the goal being to provide an experience which uniquely reflects the talents, long-term profession goals and schedule of the intern as well as the seasonal needs of the organization. Two former high school athletic directors supervise this intern and with the assistance of other professionals, we will provide a stellar opportunity for you to experience real-world projects and network with professionals in any field of interest.
Performance Dimensions and Tasks
Sports and Event Management: This might include development, planning, physical set-up of venues, customer service, execution and evaluation of events such as Unified Sports high school tournaments in bocce, bowling, flag football and track & field; IHSAA and NFHS Student Leadership Conferences; and Unified Champion School Games Days (elementary and middle schools); EKS Games; SOIN Summer Games; and the IHSAA Student Advisory Committee Retreat.
Marketing, Public Relations, and Journalism: This might include research, writing, layout and distribution of newsletters, media releases, blogs, vlogs, pod casts, webinars, human interest stories, case studies, testimonials, social media content, graphic design, survey design and research analysis. Audiences could include Special Olympics athletes and leaders at the school, county, area, regional and national level as well as middle school, high school and college students, educators, coaches, athletic and school administrators.
Communication and Media: This might include multimedia production, photography and videography, preparing Power Point presentations. This could also include making presentations to assist middle school, high school and college students with their planning and implementation of activities to promote inclusion, awareness and respect for persons with intellectual disabilities.
Fundraising and Development: This might include development, planning, set-up, and execution of school fundraising events such as Polar Plunge, Plane Pull, Track or Treat, Trivia Nights, Roll/Walk/Run events, etc.
Technology: This might include web site development and management, digital content management, search engine optimization, data base management, file and media management, social media management, etc.
Administration and Support: Assist as needed with Champions Together and Special Olympics Indiana projects. This could include learning and using computer software, calendar management, project management, loading and unloading, data entry, participating in staff meetings (generally Wednesday mornings) and other office, administrative and clerical tasks.
Qualifications
- Basic computer knowledge (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Must be hard working, self-motivated, conscientious, flexible, detail-oriented, and passionate about the mission of Special Olympics Indiana and Champions Together
- The ideal candidate would be a highly motivated, creative, over achiever who is tenacious in their pursuit of excellence, who has exhibited recognized leadership skills and has an unwavering commitment to excellence. They would have a proven record of not being satisfied with anything less than their best effort; they have the ability to see the big picture while exhibiting and sharing enthusiasm for the work it takes to produce a “job well done!”
Special Demands/Opportunities
- Some weekend and evening work
- Occasional off-site work and in-state travel
- Must complete online trainings in VMS (Application, Background Check, Coach/Volunteer Orientation (CVO), Online Protective Behaviors(OPB), and Concussion Awareness)
- Flexible hours, based on student’s requirements and schedule
- Assignments can be tailored to meet the student’s personal interests or specific educational requirements
Health and Fitness Intern
Department: Sports & Programs
Reports to: Manager of Health & Fitness
Status: Part-time seasonal, unpaid
Supervisory Responsibility: None
JOB SUMMARY
The Health & Fitness Intern will assist with the planning and implementation of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes events and Unified Fitness Club Events, and will work with local fitness programs (i.e. Unified Fitness Clubs) to promote health and wellness.
PERFORMANCE DIMENSIONS & TASKS
Event Management: Participate in development, planning, and execution of events. Coordinate communication with Area and County Programs. Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers needed for implementation. Collect and process entry data. Complete event evaluation with staff, volunteers, and participants. Events that interns coordinate will vary based on time of year, intern’s interest, and the needs of Special Olympics Indiana.
Project Assistance: Assist as needed with other Special Olympics Indiana projects. This could include learning and using computer software, office/administrative tasks, loading and unloading, physical set-up of venues, and customer service.
Administration/Budgets: Participate in staff meetings (generally Wednesday mornings), Special Olympics Indiana training, and other activities associated with the general operation of Special Olympics Indiana.
Communications & Marketing: In collaboration with Special Olympics Indiana staff, use social media and other means to increase visibility for Healthy Athletes programs and initiatives and to promote improved health and wellness for all Special Olympics athletes.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Major Focus: Public Health, Health Care Management, Nursing, Nutrition Science, Kinesiology, Health Promotion, Fitness Development, etc.
- Knowledge: Basic computer knowledge (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Knowledge of Publisher and Adobe software not required but helpful)
- Skills: Written communication, detail-oriented, interpersonal skills, flexible
SPECIAL DEMANDS/OPPORTUNITIES
- Some weekend and evening work
- Occasional travel in-state
- Must complete Online Trainings in Volunteer Management System (Application, Background Check, Coach/Volunteer Orientation (CVO), Online Protective Behaviors (OPB), and Concussion Awareness)
- Flexible hours, based on student’s requirements and schedule
- Assignments can be tailored to meet the student’s personal interests or specific educational requirements
Marketing and PR Intern
Reports to: Director of Marketing & Communication
Department: Development
Status: Part-time, unpaid
JOB SUMMARY
Special Olympics Indiana has internship opportunities to help the organization within its public relations and marketing efforts. The Marketing and PR Intern will receive hands-on public relations and marketing experience that broadens your knowledge and portfolio in a nonprofit environment.
It is our goal to instill the basic teachings of marketing and public relations in a beneficial relationship for both parties. This is a challenging yet exciting opportunity for a young professional to contribute to the growth of a highly active human service organization while gaining hands-on experience.
PERFORMANCE DIMENSIONS AND TASKS
Social Media: Learn about social media and managing social media efforts (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn), along with exploring other social media opportunities that make sense for SOIN to engage
Market Signature Events: Assist with the planning and implementation of marketing fundraising events, including Polar Plunge, Plane Pull® Challenge, Charity Golf Classic and state competitions.
Public and Media Relations: Assist with media outreach, press releases and other aspects to maximize the earned media potential of our events.
Writing and Video: Develop your writing skills by through blogs, social media, website pages, newsletters and more. Capture and edit video for these channels as well.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Basic computer knowledge (Microsoft Office Suite).
- Experience in Adobe Software: Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.
- Experience with social media, creating/editing video is helpful.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and writing skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Outstanding organizational skills and followthrough.
- Candidates pursing a degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, business or related degree.
SPECIAL DEMANDS AND OPPORTUNITIES
- This position includes in-office hours at our northwest Indianapolis location.
- Must complete Coach/Volunteer Orientation training (1 hour), Coach/Volunteer Application and Protective Behaviors.
- Flexible hours, based on student’s requirements and schedule.
- Assignments can be tailored to meet the student’s personal interests or specific educational requirements.
Sports and Programs Intern
Department: Sports & Programs
Reports to: Director of Sports & Competition
Status: Part-time seasonal, unpaid
Job Summary
The Sports & Programs Intern will assist with the planning and implementation of Special Olympics training and competition events. Appropriate assignments can be developed for students majoring in: sports management, sports marketing, event management, physical education, adaptive physical education, non-profit management, special education, and recreation.
Performance Dimensions and Tasks
Event Management
Participate in development, planning, and execution of events. Coordinate communication with Area and County Programs regarding the event. Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers needed for implementation. Collect and process entry data. Complete event evaluation with staff, volunteers, and participants. Events that interns coordinate will vary based on time of year, intern’s interest, and the needs of Special Olympics Indiana.
Project Assistance
Assist as needed with other Special Olympics Indiana projects. This could include learning and using the Games Management System (computer software used for divisioning athletes in competitions), office/administrative tasks, loading and unloading, physical set-up of venues, and customer service.
Administration/Budgets
Participate in staff meetings (generally Wednesday mornings), Special Olympics Indiana training, and other activities associated with the general operation of Special Olympics Indiana.
Qualifications
- Knowledge: Basic computer knowledge (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.; knowledge of Publisher not required but helpful)
- Skills: Written communication, detail-oriented, interpersonal skills, flexible
Special Demands/Opportunities
- Some weekend and evening work
- Occasional travel in-state
- Must complete online trainings in VMS (Application, Background Check, Coach/Volunteer Orientation (CVO), Online Protective Behaviors (OPB), and Concussion Awareness)
- Flexible hours, based on student’s requirements and schedule
- Assignments can be tailored to meet the student’s personal interests or specific educational requirements
Special Events Intern
Department: Development
Reports to: Director of Special Events
Status: Part-time seasonal, unpaid
Job Summary
Development Intern will assist with the planning and implementation of fundraising and other special events.
Performance Dimensions and Tasks
Special Events: Assist with planning and implementation of fundraising events during the season of the internship. (Polar Plunge, Summer Games, FedEx Plane Pull, Law Enforcement Torch Run, Charity Golf Classic, etc.). Assist with acknowledgement of gifts, donations, and pledges, including incentive prize fulfillment. Assist with obtaining donations of cash and in-kind for related events. Assist with related marketing for special events.
Project Coordination: Assist in planning and implementation of projects as assigned.
Administration/Budgets: Assist with after-action reports for special events. Assist with tracking donors from fundraising events. Utilize existing database for special events.
Project Assistance: Assist as needed with other Special Olympics projects. This could include office/administrative tasks, loading and unloading, physical set-up of venues, meetings, trainings, customer service and other activities associated with the general operation of Special Olympics.
Qualifications
- Knowledge: Basic computer knowledge (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Knowledge of Publisher and Adobe software not required but helpful)
- Skills: Written communication, detail-oriented, interpersonal skills, flexible
Special Demands/Opportunities
- Some weekend and evening work
- Occasional travel in-state
- Must complete Coach/ Volunteer Orientation training (1 hour), Coach/Volunteer Application and Protective Behaviors
- Flexible hours, based on student’s requirements and schedule
- Assignments can be tailored to meet the student’s personal interests or specific educational requirements
Internship Application
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