Gain firsthand experience supporting the Office of the President while helping advance the NCAA’s mission across college athletics. As an Executive Affairs postgraduate intern, you’ll contribute to high visibility projects, executive events and strategic initiatives while working alongside senior leadership in a fast paced, collaborative environment.
From project management and executive communications to event planning and research, you’ll play an important role in supporting the day to day work of the national office. The intern reports to the Associate Director of Executive Affairs and collaborates with members of the Executive Affairs team throughout the internship.
Is this Internship Right for You?
This internship is ideal for recent graduates interested in executive leadership, project management, higher education or collegiate athletics. Successful candidates are organized, adaptable and professional, with strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while working both independently and collaboratively.
College graduates with a bachelor’s degree from a four-year NCAA member institution who are interested in executive operations, event planning and supporting senior leadership in college sports.
A full-time, in-person internship at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis, supporting the executive affairs office and reporting to the associate director of executive affairs.
A yearlong program running June 14, 2027 through May 26, 2028. Relocation to Indianapolis is required.
Interns are paid hourly at a rate that equates to $33,000 annualized and receive full benefits. Applicants should plan for their own relocation costs to Indianapolis.
Eligibility
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- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a four-year NCAA member institution by the internship start date.
- No prior experience as an NCAA national office intern or employee.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States (international students may apply through Optional Practical Training for F-1 students).
- No age restriction or sports-specific degree required.
- Prior athletics department experience and former student-athlete status are not required.
- Not a current or former NCAA national office intern or employee.
Why Executive Affairs?
Through proximity to NCAA leadership and hands on involvement in marquee Association events, interns gain a national office perspective on how the NCAA is led and how the president serves as the chief advocate for college sports.
What You'll Experience
Take ownership of meaningful projects that directly support NCAA leadership, strategic initiatives and Association priorities while making a measurable impact across the national office.
Work alongside experienced NCAA staff to assist with planning, communications, research, operations and administrative responsibilities that help advance the Association’s mission.
Strengthen your leadership, communication, project management and problem solving skills through mentorship, cross functional collaboration and hands on experience across the national office.
Build relationships with NCAA staff, member schools, conferences and external partners while gaining valuable insight into executive leadership and the administration of college athletics.
Job Description
The Executive Affairs postgraduate intern supports the Office of the President through project management, executive communications, event coordination and administrative support. Working closely with senior leadership and national office staff, the intern contributes to presidential engagements, strategic initiatives, research projects and internal and external events while maintaining the highest level of professionalism, discretion and attention to detail.
You’ll Gain Experience In:
- Executive Leadership
- Event Management
- Project Coordination
- Research
- Executive Communications
Responsibilities
Executive Support
- Support executive projects, presidential engagements and administrative operations.
- Draft daily briefing materials and assist with executive communications.
- Collect, organize and communicate information using Salesforce.
Event Planning and Operations
- Coordinate with NCAA staff to plan and execute internal and external events.
- Provide onsite event support, including schedule management and guest experience.
- Support event logistics, including occasional travel and evening or weekend responsibilities.
Research and Communications
- Conduct research on college athletics topics and summarize findings.
- Communicate with national office staff, NCAA members and external stakeholders through email and phone.
- Prepare documents, correspondence and administrative materials.
Project Coordination
- Collaborate across departments to support strategic initiatives.
- Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
- Contribute to additional projects and assignments as needed.
What we’re Looking For
Candidates are encouraged to possess many of the following skills and experiences:
- Experience with project management, event planning or executive support
- Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- Excellent organizational, analytical and time management abilities
- Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams
- Professionalism, discretion and attention to detail
- Experience conducting research and synthesizing information
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Asana, Salesforce or similar collaboration tools
- Knowledge of higher education and collegiate athletics
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast paced environment
- Confidence communicating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
Former Executive Affairs interns have built careers with NCAA member schools, conference offices, national governing bodies, professional sports organizations and private sector companies, applying the leadership and operational experience gained through the program.
If you’re ready to gain hands on experience, build your professional network and make an impact across college athletics, review the requirements and submit your application.