Marketing & Events Intern

Special Olympics Vermont (SOVT) is seeking creative, organized, and motivated Marketing & Events Intern to support its largest winter fundraising event, the Penguin Plunge, as well as additional fundraising and programmatic events throughout the internship. This position offers 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. Reports to: Fundraising & Events Manager and Communications & Social Media Manager Timeframe: 6 month internship (ideally September/October - February/March) - exact dates are TBD. 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 & Communications Support the Communications & Social Media Manager in creating branded marketing materials, event assets, and digital content. Create, schedule, and share engaging social media content, including live coverage from events. Research current social media trends and brainstorm creative ways to promote Special Olympics Vermont through digital storytelling. Assist with communications campaigns, content planning, and updating the communications calendar on a regular basis. Design graphics and promotional materials using Canva. Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages, interacting with partner and community accounts, and helping grow Special Olympics Vermont's digital presence. Develop a strong understanding of Special Olympics Vermont's mission and confidently communicate the organization's impact to community members and supporters. Event Planning & Operations Support planning and coordination of the Penguin Plunge and other fundraising events. Respond to participant, volunteer, donor, and community inquiries via email. Assist with event logistics, timelines, registration, and operational planning. Attend internal planning meetings and assist with event preparation. Provide on-site event support, including setup, registration, participant assistance, photography, social media coverage, and breakdown. Assist with volunteer coordination, scheduling, and communication. Support Penguin Plunge team recruitment efforts through outreach to businesses, schools, colleges, and community organizations or groups. Assist the Program Team with Cool Schools recruitment and team captain, along with participant communications. Support online fundraising and event registration using platforms such as GoFundMe Pro, and Jotform. QUALIFICATIONS Currently pursuing, or has 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 event participants. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud is a plus (Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign). Flexible schedule with the ability to work some evenings and weekends leading up to and during events. 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. COMPENSATION This is an hourly, non-exempt position. Wage rate is $15/hour. College credit is available in lieu of wages. This role is ideally 15-20 hours per week (exact number of hours TBD), some hours may be during nights and weekends around event time. 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 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr