Community Relations Intern
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
2 hours ago
Internship
On-site
Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Paid or Stipend
Position Summary
The Community Relations Intern provides administrative, event coordination, and community engagement support to the Military Liaison & Community Relations Manager. This internship offers hands-on experience in community relations, event planning, military outreach, professional communications, and inclusive community programming. The intern will play an important role in ensuring community and military events are well-organized, professionally executed, and successfully supported from planning through completion.
The intern will also support community engagement initiatives in partnership with Special Olympics, assisting with events and activities that promote inclusion, accessibility, and meaningful participation for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This opportunity provides valuable experience in building community relationships, supporting diverse populations, and creating positive, inclusive experiences for athletes, families, volunteers, and community partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with administrative tasks, including filing, data entry, document preparation, and maintaining organized records.
- Draft, send, and track follow-up emails with military partners, community organizations, sponsors, and event participants.
- Coordinate event logistics, including scheduling meetings, confirming vendors, preparing materials, and tracking deadlines.
- Assist with planning, organizing, and promoting military appreciation events and community outreach initiatives.
- Attend community and military events to assist with setup, registration, guest engagement, logistics, and breakdown.
- Support Special Olympics events and community programs by assisting with event preparation, registration, logistics, and on-site coordination.
- Help create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for Special Olympics athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, coaches, and volunteers.
- Assist with activities that encourage athlete participation, community connection, and positive engagement during Special Olympics events.
- Help maintain calendars, contact lists, and project timelines.
- Prepare meeting agendas, take notes, and distribute follow-up action items.
- Support outreach efforts by communicating with community partners, military organizations, nonprofit organizations, and Special Olympics representatives.
- Ensure event supplies, accessibility-related materials, and promotional materials are organized and available as needed.
- Represent the organization professionally when interacting with military personnel, community leaders, athletes, families, volunteers, and the public.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the Military Liaison & Community Relations team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current college student or recent graduate pursuing a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, Marketing, Event Management, Nonprofit Management, Recreation Management, or a related field.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
- Comfortable interacting with diverse audiences in a professional and respectful manner.
- Interest in community engagement, military relations, nonprofit partnerships, disability inclusion, or adaptive sports.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Flexible schedule to attend occasional evening or weekend events.
Preferred Skills
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Experience with event planning, volunteer coordination, or community outreach is a plus.
- Interest in supporting athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and promoting inclusive community experiences.
- Familiarity with social media and community engagement strategies is beneficial.
- Ability to demonstrate patience, empathy, respect, and professionalism when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
- Professional demeanor and commitment to confidentiality.
Learning Opportunities
Through this internship, participants will gain experience in:
- Military and community partnership development.
- Event planning, coordination, and execution.
- Professional business communications.
- Project coordination and administrative support.
- Community outreach and public engagement.
- Special Olympics event support and inclusive community programming.
- Working alongside athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and learning about inclusive sports and community participation.
- Volunteer engagement and collaboration with nonprofit organizations.
- Networking with civic, nonprofit, military, and community leaders.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds, with reasonable accommodations as appropriate.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events, with reasonable accommodations as appropriate.
- Reliable transportation to attend community events as needed.
Internship Overview
Anticipated start date: January 4, 2027
This internship provides a meaningful opportunity to develop professional skills in military liaison work, community relations, event management, and inclusive outreach. By supporting military and community initiatives, including Switchbacks FC Unified & ISL events, the intern will gain practical experience building partnerships, coordinating events, and contributing to a welcoming community where individuals of all abilities can participate and thrive.
This position is suitable for college internship programs, workforce development partnerships, and nonprofit or corporate community relations departments.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.