Development Internship

Special Olympics New York seeks dedicated, enthusiastic and creative college student or recent graduates for a paid internship program in fields related to communications and fundraising. Designed as an ongoing partnership between colleges and universities and the statewide nonprofit, this program will provide candidates with engaging, inclusive experience in their field of study.

Special Olympics New York athletes, coaches, volunteers, and donors each have their own stories to tell—stories of triumph and inclusion that can inspire others like them to get involved in our life-changing movement. Interns will work directly with our stakeholders to share their stories across multiple platforms, including each of our social media channels (60,000 followers), e-newsletter (62,000 subscribers) and website (1.5 million annual visitors) to help engage our fundraising participants.

Interns will also assist with recruitment, marketing, event planning, day-of-event logistics and stewardship for several Capital Region fundraising events that will take place throughout the summer.

This is a summer internship opportunity from Mid-May – Mid-August with an application deadline of April 9, 2025.

Responsibilities:

·        Travel to and assist with several Capital Region fundraising and program and events (some on nights and weekends)

·        Create content for and post across social media platforms in a timely and engaging manner

·        Assist with engagement summer fundraising and awareness campaign at Saratoga Racetrack

·        Implement a comprehensive communication strategy for donors, participants, and key stakeholders to share athlete and organization stories and accomplishments

·        Analyze engagement data on social media and suggest strategies based on results

·        Collaborate with Special Olympics NY staff prior to and during events

·        Learn history and mission behind Special Olympics

·        Adhere to social media style guide

·        Complete Special Olympics NY volunteer training

·        Inclusion, Unified Sports and the Unified Champion School programming are present and prioritized in the foundation of our core elemental movement, found embedded in our seasonal and annual calendar, and activity. All staff members hold responsibilities collaterally and fundamentally for inclusive mission and the Unified programming.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to work independently and attend once-a-week remote meetings

• Knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok best practices

• Experience crafting social posts for nonprofits, brands, and/or agencies is preferred

This internship can be tailored to specific degree program at the professor’s request. Special Olympics NY can also work with colleges and universities to incorporate for-credit opportunities for students.

This is a paid internship opportunity @ $18/hour, with the expectation that candidates will work at least 10 hours/week for 10 weeks.

To apply, please send the following to Special Olympics New York Vice President of Development at rsnyder@nyso.org. by the above deadline.

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Writing Samples

About Special Olympics New York

Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 45,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 300 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com and a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.

Special Olympics New York 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.

There's power in numbers. Tell your friends to share this as well.