Special Initiatives Intern (SUMMER 2026) (ATTN: PUBLIC POLICY PEOPLE!)

Overview

“We will go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand.”

- Ballington & Maud Booth, Founders

Volunteers of America (VOA) is a faith-based, nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. The VOA network includes more than 16,000 full-time professionals empowering 1.5 million people annually through our 29 affiliates in 46 states. We provide hundreds of service programs, including those for seniors and people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and those recovering from addiction. VOA is one of the nation’s most comprehensive human services charities, offering programs for communities, individuals and families. 

VOA is seeking a Special Initiatives Intern to support our Special Initiatives department to work on strategic initiatives and special projects. The Special Initiatives department works with the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer and offers an excellent opportunity to experience various aspects of strategic and project implementation. 

The selected candidate will be an integral part of the Special Initiatives department, the Public Policy department as well as the intern 2026 cohort team. The person in this role will apply analytical skills, grow business acumen skills and build on research and project management skills within a program designed to introduce top Masters / Graduate students to Strategy and Special Initiatives and advance operations in the areas of local advocacy and organizational strategy at a national level. All applicants must be flexible, self-directed and possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Ideal candidates have excellent writing and communication skills, good time management, stay on task and willing to learn new areas.

This position is full-time (up to 40 hours per week) 

The position extends the opportunity for a Hybrid work schedule

The internship is unpaid, however, a stipend is provided

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Provide support for one or more of the following: 
  • a) complete an Advocacy assessment study
  • b) provide Advocacy resources (i.e. training, website, etc.)
  • c) develop and employ affiliate strategy around policy priorities
  • d) track Local Advocacy meetings
  • e) provide board related resources 
• Research, recommend best practices and report on strategic initiatives – to potentially include one or more of the following:  
  • a) potential value-added partnerships and coalitions
  • b) best practices related to employee career life cycle support – from onboarding to career advancement
  • c) overhead at the local and national level 
• Other duties as assigned 

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Teams, PDF, project management software and applications, as well as survey platforms such as Doodle, Survey Monkey 
• Ability to work independently and as part of matrixed team 
• Commitment to inclusive and collaborative team culture 
• Passion for making the world a better place 
• Strong written, interpersonal and communication skills 
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, stay organized and meet deadlines 

Qualifications:

Physical Capabilities:

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods

Working Conditions:

• The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function
• This position will take place primarily in an office setting

Other Duties:

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education and Experience:

• Candidates seeking a degree in Nonprofit Management, Nonprofit Administration, Public Policy education or experience, Organizational Development, Strategy and Innovation, Public Policy or focusing on Strategy and Implementation - or a related field - are encouraged to apply
• Currently enrolled in a Masters/Graduate degree program

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

VOA is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Volunteers of America does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.