Position Summary
The Special Events Intern supports the planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising and community engagement events for Special Olympics Kansas. This internship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit event management, donor engagement, volunteer coordination, sponsorship fulfillment, and event logistics while helping create meaningful experiences for athletes, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters.
Responsibilities
- Assist with planning and coordinating fundraising and community events.
- Help recruit, organize, and communicate with event volunteers.
- Support sponsor fulfillment, including signage, recognition, and event benefits.
- Prepare event materials, registration packets, auction items, and participant resources.
- Assist with event setup, operations, and breakdown.
- Manage registration tables and provide customer service to participants and guests.
- Help maintain event timelines, checklists, and project plans.
- Assist with collecting event data, participant feedback, and post-event reports.
- Support donor stewardship efforts, including thank-you letters and follow-up communications.
- Coordinate prize, raffle, and auction logistics as assigned.
- Perform general administrative duties to support the Development team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current college student or recent graduate in Event Management, Sports Management, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Comfortable working evenings and weekends during events.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
- Positive attitude with a passion for serving individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Learning Opportunities
- Event planning and execution
- Fundraising strategy
- Sponsor relationship management
- Volunteer management
- Project management
- Nonprofit operations
- Donor stewardship
- Team collaboration and leadership
Time Commitment
- 10–20 hours per week (flexible around class schedules)
- Additional availability during major fundraising events as needed
Reports To
Development Team
Benefits
- Gain real-world nonprofit and event management experience.
- Build a professional portfolio of fundraising and community events.
- Network with corporate partners, community leaders, and nonprofit professionals.
- Make a lasting impact by supporting more than 5,000 Special Olympics Kansas athletes across the state.