Special Events Internships @ Special Olympics Vermont

SUPERVISOR: Marketing & Fundraising Manager or Communications & Social Media Manager
POSITION: 6-month internship (October - March) - exact dates are flexible
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POSITION OVERVIEW
Special Olympics Vermont is seeking passionate and motivated Special Events Interns to support its largest winter fundraising event, the Penguin Plunge, as well as additional fundraising and programmatic events throughout the time of the internship. These positions offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event planning, marketing, fundraising, communications, and community engagement while making a significant impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

SOVT VISION
Driven by the power of sport, inclusion is at the heart of all that we do at Special Olympics Vermont. We strive to celebrate and promote unity and create a world where everyone belongs. We value and respect differences, backgrounds, and perspectives, and understand that greater diversity, equity, and inclusion make us stronger and more innovative to deliver better results as we work together in all communities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Marketing
● Work with Communications and Social Media Manager to create marketing materials that align with event branding
● Printing event materials - posters, flyers, postcards, event guides,name tags, etc.
● Creating day-of event signage

Communications
● Assist with online registration tools including Classy, Jotform, Donorview, etc.
● Serve as main contact for general questions from event participants, volunteers, donors, etc.
● Work with Communications and Social Media Manager to cultivate content for social media posts (all platforms)
○ Including gathering content such as interviews, writing copy, and creating posts
● Drafting email communications and updating contact lists

Fundraising
● Sponsor & Partner Recruitment
○ Work with Marketing and Fundraising Manager to research current sponsors to find opportunities for additional engagement
○ Identify opportunities for new sponsors
● Penguin Plunge Team Recruitment
○ Research potential Penguin Plunge teams and volunteers (Colleges, Businesses, Groups, etc.)
○ Work with the Program Team to support Cool Schools Team recruitment
○ Communication with Cool Schools Team Captains
○ Communication with new Burlington Team Captains

Event Support
● Recruit volunteers for events
● Serve as volunteer main contact before and during the event
● Attend internal and external meetings leading up to the event
● Attend and provide day-of support for events including, which may include evenings and weekends
● Day-of Photography & Social Media

This description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the position. Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
● Currently pursuing or is recently graduated with a degree in Event Management, Sport Management, Marketing, Communications, Sustainability, or a related field.
● Must be able to work at the SOVT Office (16 Gregory Drive, Suite 2, South Burlington, VT, 05403) and provide own transportation
● Passionate about promoting inclusion and making a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
● Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask effectively.
● Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with athletes, volunteers, donors, and Plungers.
● Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud; familiarity with event management software (Classy) is a plus.
● Flexible schedule with the ability to work some evenings and weekends leading up to and during events.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
• This is an hourly, non-exempt position. Wage rate is $15/hour. College credit is available in lieu of wages.
• 15-20 hours per week with additional hours during nights and weekends around event time.
• Benefits include: flexible and supportive work environment, cell phone stipend, work laptop, opportunity to engage in mission-driven work

EMPLOYMENT and DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION at SPECIAL OLYMPICS VERMONT
SOVT is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on 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.

Special Olympics Vermont strives to create an organization that reflects our communities and where everyone feels empowered to do their best work. SOVT will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or bullying. Anyone who does not comply with this policy and/or is found to have engaged in discrimination, harassment, or bullying will be subject to appropriate action, up to and including separation from the organization.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Vice President of Mission Advancement, Kelsey Conway – kconway@vtso.org.