Intern

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Best Buddies is the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families.

Job Title:  Intern, State Operations and Programs (Unpaid)

Department: State Operations and Programs

Reports to: Deputy Director, Programs

# of direct reports: 0

Salary Range: Unpaid

Revised date: 5/29/2025

Position Overview:  The Programs & Operations Intern is responsible for providing virtual support to the Best Buddies in Georgia team in the areas of program development, event planning, communications, and statewide operations. This fully remote position offers flexible hours and is designed to provide meaningful experience in nonprofit programming, disability advocacy, and administrative coordination. Interns will complete ongoing weekly tasks and select one to two project areas to focus on throughout the internship.

Job Requirements – Qualified applicants must have:

• A strong commitment to the mission of inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
• Strong written communication and organizational skills
• Comfort working independently in a fully virtual environment
• Initiative, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace
• Proficiency with social media platforms or design tools (e.g., Canva) is a plus
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and act professionally
   
   

Programs

• Assists with collecting and organizing data and materials from school chapters
• Supports planning and facilitation of virtual trainings, retreats, and events
• Researches topics related to inclusion, school engagement, or disability awareness
• Prepares thank-you notes and appreciation messages for schools, students, and supporters
• Drafts content for the Georgia Buddy Beat newsletter and social media platforms (subject to staff review)
   
   

Special Projects (intern will select 1–2 to complete during internship)

• Student Advisory Board: Supports summer virtual retreat planning, attends interviews, and assists with scheduling peer meetings
• Resource Development: Updates the Best Buddies in Georgia program toolkit and/or creates a student flyer on chapter growth strategies
• Reflection & Storytelling: Writes a reflection post, records a video, or drafts an article highlighting their internship experience
• Leadership Conference Support: Assists with preparation for the Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC), including outreach reminders, packing lists, and logistics
• Ambassador Academy: Supports the relaunch of the statewide Ambassador Academy

Operations

• Assists with maintaining digital records and shared file organization
• Supports communications and logistics related to statewide programming initiatives
• Completes administrative tasks and other responsibilities as assigned
   
   

Time Commitment & Location:

• This is a fully remote, unpaid internship
• Flexible scheduling; average of 5–10 hours per week
• Internship start date: Mid-June to late August 2025, depending on HR approval and intern availability
   
   

Internship Benefits:

• Hands-on experience with nonprofit program management and disability advocacy
• Opportunity to lead special projects based on interest and skillset
• Professional mentorship and feedback from Best Buddies staff
• Eligible for college credit, if coordinated with intern’s academic institution

Best Buddies® is an affirmative action employer, in addition to an EOE and M/F/V/PWD/PV employer. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to Best Buddies International’s core values and help the organization continue to achieve its mission. Here at Best Buddies, our goal is to lead and advocate for a more inclusive world.

Best Buddies offers a comprehensive and generous benefits program that include financial security, health and wellness and time off.