Position Title: Intern, Government Relations & Chairman’s Office – For School Credit

Location: Washington, DC 

Department: Government Relations, Office of the Chairman

Reports to: Chief, Global Government Relations Officer

Date and Length of Internship: 3 June 2024 – 31 July 2024 (flexible)

Organization Summary:

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With nearly four million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and one million coaches and volunteers in more than 170 countries, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 games and competitions every year. Learn more at SpecialOlympics.org. 

Position Summary: 

Special Olympics is seeking an intern to work in the Chairman’s office and Government Relations department of its headquarters office in Washington DC during the summer of 2024.

The Government Relations department educates and mobilizes governments to adopt inclusive policies, plans, and practices, and commit resources for Special Olympics Programs and activities. The department’s goal is to ensure athletes and others with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD) can exercise their rights, take advantage of opportunities, and be full participants in their communities.

The Chairman’s office provides support for the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics International, so the Chair is able to carry out their leadership responsibilities of the organization. These responsibilities include fundraising, stewardship of donators/supporters, serving as a spokesperson for the organization, and providing strategy and leadership across the movement.

Primary Responsibilities:

Provide logistical support to the Government Relations department in the Office of the Chairman:

• Assist with planning U.S. Capitol Hill Day 2025, including:
  • Assist in developing resources for Capitol Hill Day including but not limited to programs, agendas, slide decks, webinars, schedules, emails and briefing documents;
  • Support the Program and delegate registration processes;
  • Support the Regional Observer Program;
  • Assist in tracking expenditures;
  • Assist in collating and organizing hard copies of meeting documents;
• Research and track federal and state issues and legislation of interest to Special Olympics;
• Assist with managing and updating the department’s tracking and monitoring systems;
• Assist with data management and entry of legacy data;
• Research funding opportunities at embassies, aid agencies, development banks, and foundations; and
• Provide list management, data management and logistics support to the Chairman’s Office.

Required Qualifications: 

• Currently pursuing a degree at a college or university as this internship is for-credit.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with individuals from a range of cultures and professional backgrounds.
• Ability to work well independently and under pressure.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Willingness to solve critical issues creatively.
• Strong research skills.
• Interest in disability, health and/or education policy preferred.

Special Olympics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

**Special Olympics is an E-Verify Employer**