Position Title: Intern, Government Relations – Unpaid (Course Credit only) Summer Internship
Location: SOI DC HQ (Hybrid/2 Days a week)
Department: Government Relations
Reports to: Chief Global Government Relations Officer
Date and Length of Internship: May 18 – June 30, 2026; approx. 16 hours per week
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Hourly Rate: Course Credits
Organization Overview:
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 Government Relations department of its headquarters office in Washington DC during the summer of 2026.
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 disabilities (ID) can exercise their rights, take advantage of opportunities, and be full participants in their communities.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide support to the Government Relations department. This will include:
- Conducting organizational analysis, and research on global governance and partnership opportunities, assisting in drafting briefing notes and concept papers, supporting data collection and evaluation, and helping document and develop inclusive programs and initiatives.
- Assist in developing resources for upcoming events including but not limited to programs, agendas, webinars, schedules and briefing documents;
- Assist in development of government relations guides for domestic and international use;
- Research and track federal and state issues and legislation of interest to Special Olympics;
- Help manage scheduling and briefings for Capitol Hill meetings; and
- Organize and compile notes, create meeting logs, and upload/update contact information from Capitol Hill meetings.
Required Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree at a college or university.
- 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 and;
- Willingness to solve critical issues creatively.
- 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**