What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Internship position at Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority?
Job Description
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented intern to support the Director of Operations, Strategy & Research. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in strategic planning, operational execution, regulatory compliance and cross-functional collaboration within a mission-driven organization.
Responsibilities
- Assist with the planning and execution of high-priority projects and strategic initiatives.
- Support the development and maintenance of internal databases and reporting tools related to equine safety and jockey well-being.
- Conduct research and prepare briefing materials, memos and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Help draft and edit communications, including public reports, media responses and internal updates.
- Participate in cross-functional meetings and assist with follow-up tasks and documentation.
- Contribute to the development of new procedures and tools to improve operational efficiency.
- Provide administrative and logistical support for special projects.
Required Qualifications
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Public Policy, Business Administration, Data Science, Communications or a related field
- Excellent research, writing and analytical skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint)
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with data visualization tools
- Interest in equine welfare, sports regulation or non-profit operations
What You’ll Gain
- Exposure to high-level strategic and operational decision-making
- Experience working in a non-profit environment subject to federal oversight
- Mentorship from a senior leader with a broad portfolio of impactful work
- Opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the health and safety of Thoroughbred horses and jockeys
Reports To
Director of Operations, Strategy & Research
Location
Lexington, KY (Hybrid or remote options available)
Duration
Fall 2025 Semester (with the option to extend through the remainder of the school year)
Hours
20 hours per week
Compensation
$2,000 stipend
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume, along with a cover letter detailing your interest in the position, relevant work samples and a list of three references to Niki.Robb@HISAus.org.
Application Deadline
September 19, 2025
About HISA
When the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law, it charged the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) with proposing and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing in the United States. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission, HISA is implementing, for the first time, a uniform national set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack facility. HISA has two programs: The Racetrack Safety Program, which went into effect on July 1, 2022, and the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program, which went into effect on May 22, 2023.