Fall 2026, Winter 2027
Community Engagement Intern
Autism Speaks
501-1,000 employees
Nonprofit advocating autism solutions across lifespan
No salary listed
Chicago, IL, USA
Remote
Remote within the Chicago or St. Louis areas; transportation is required for events or meetings if needed.
Bachelor's
 Growth & Marketing (1) |
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- The candidate must be pursuing a bachelor's degree.
- The candidate must be able to receive academic credit.
- The candidate must work a flexible schedule of 20 hours per week during standard business hours.
- The candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and social media technology.
- The candidate must be able to work with a team.
- The candidate must have organizational, communication, customer service, attention-to-detail, and initiative-taking abilities.
- The candidate must live in the Chicago or St. Louis areas and have access to transportation for events or meetings if needed.
- Assist with event logistics for the Empower Walk and 5K, including procuring and coordinating in-kind donations, recruiting participants, and engaging with service providers.
- Assist with event logistics for the St. Louis Gala and Golf Tournament, including procuring and coordinating in-kind donations and auction items, coordinating volunteers, and engaging with vendors.
- Assist with area marketing and communications, including social media content.
- Assist with donor, sponsor, and volunteer outreach and stewardship.
- Provide administrative support and perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Autism Speaks is a nonprofit organization that works to promote solutions across the autism spectrum and throughout the lifespan for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It funds and supports autism research, provides resources and education for families and professionals, and advocates for policy changes and services that help people with autism. Its product-like outputs include research grants, educational materials, support programs, and advocacy campaigns. It aims to create a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
2005
Get referred to Autism Speaks
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Wilson's 2026 collection and doubled custom-glove donations expand revenue and brand visibility.
- The March 31, 2026 Celebrity Chef Gala raised more than $20 million cumulatively.
- Federal 2026 Autism CARES funding and nearly $400 million in autism programs support advocacy relevance.
What critics are saying
- Fiscal 2025 net assets fell to $26.9 million after three straight annual losses.
- Closing Autism Speaks Canada in January 2025 shrank international operations and weakened referral coverage.
- Activists still attack its history on cures and exclusion, risking donor and talent flight.
What makes Autism Speaks unique
- Autism Speaks remains the largest U.S. autism nonprofit, with nationwide policy reach.
- April 1, 2026 brought Stuart Savitz, a longtime board member and parent leader.
- Its corporate partnership engine drives cause-marketing deals like Wilson's 2026 Love the Moment collection.
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Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Remote Work Options
Tuition Reimbursement
Company News
Wilson(R), Autism Speaks(R) unveil 2026 Love the Moment(TM) Collection. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (April 16, 2026) - In celebration of World Autism Month, Wilson released the 2026 Love the Moment(TM) Collection, a lineup of performance equipment that represents the company's commitment to creating a culture of belonging for everyone, regardless of ability. Since 2019, Wilson has worked closely with Autism Speaks(R), a non-profit dedicated to creating a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. This continuing partnership has helped raise nearly $1.9 million, and with Wilson's donation of at least $325,000 in 2026, will surpass $2 million. The 2026 Love the Moment Collection includes a new pride point: a Wilson A2000 glove designed by Noah Cobbs, a 26-year-old autistic man from Iowa with significant support needs. His favorite color is kelly green, so naturally, his design features a lot of it. But it also features details that reflect his unique way of seeing the world. "The partnership with Wilson started with their employees, who raised awareness and encouraged the company to continue to do more. That foundation continues to shape how we work together - by listening and being willing to adapt. You see that at play in this collection," said Autism Speaks President and CEO Keith Wargo. "Noah's baseball glove came together through a process that was adjusted to what worked for him," Wargo added, "so his preferences could come through in the final design and onto the field." Noah and his family worked with Wilson to complete the design. Together, they tried the online glove builder, but the process was a little challenging. Instead, they printed out the options, and Noah was able to easily pick out his favorites. That's how his glove design ended up with Autism Speaks Gradient SuperSnakeSkin(TM) and Kelly Green Pro Stock(R) leather, gold laces, and gradient bold logos. "Noah made something that was truly his own, and that's exactly what Love the Moment represents," said Michael Markovich, Global Commercial Director for Wilson Baseball/Softball. "Inclusion isn't about saying the right things - it's about doing them." Wilson's commitment to inclusion stems from its everyday values. The story that inspired Love the Moment was only the beginning. The partnership not only lines up with Wilson's culture of action, care, and purpose, but it also supports employees with personal connections to autism, either through family members on the spectrum or loved ones supporting the community. Love the Moment began seven years ago with a single glove and has grown in 2026 to include 10 new glove designs, Louisville Slugger bats for baseball and softball, limited edition EvoShield protective gear, and a basketball. In addition to the product lines available at retailers nationwide, the Wilson Custom Glove Builder allows for customization of all Pro Stock(R) gloves with Love the Moment branding through leather and SuperSkin color options as well as a Love the Moment pinky stamp. All year long, every item sold within the collection or glove builder, 10 percent of the purchase price will be donated to Autism Speaks, and from April 15, 2026, through the end of May, Wilson has committed to doubling the donation for every custom glove sold with Love the Moment branding. This includes gloves built using Noah's design specifications, giving fans the opportunity to apply his design to a different glove pattern across Wilson's A2K, A2000 and A1000 product lines while further supporting Autism Speaks. Wilson is a member of NSGA. Chris Considine, Jim Baugh, L.B. Icely and Fred Bowman of Wilson are members of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame. World Autism Month 2026 Love the Moment Collection Autism Speaks Noah Cobbs Keith Wargo Michael Markovich Louisville Slugger Wilson
Stuart Savitz appointed Chairman of Autism Speaks Board of Directors. April 7, 2026 WASHINGTON, DC - Autism Speaks is pleased to announce the election of Stuart Savitz as Chairman of the Board, effective April 1, 2026. Savitz brings both extensive professional experience and a deeply personal connection to the role as a parent of a son with autism. Savitz is the founder of the Law Offices of Stuart M. Savitz, LLC, where he specializes in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance transactions and general corporate services. Savitz and his family have been deeply involved in Autism Speaks for many years. Their journey began more than two decades ago, and their commitment has helped shape the organization's work across research, services and community engagement. In 2007, his son Spencer founded Team Tyler in honor of his brother, helping raise more than $2.5 million for Autism Speaks over thirteen years. The Savitz family also founded the North Shore Walk in 2011, building one of the organization's most impactful community fundraising efforts. Savitz has played an active role within Autism Speaks for almost 20 years, serving as Chair of the Services & Supports Committee, former Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee, a member of the Medical & Scientific Advisory Committee and a member of the last three Strategic Planning Committees. His longstanding involvement brings valuable continuity and insight to the Board at a pivotal time for the organization. In addition to his contributions to Autism Speaks, Savitz is on the Board of Directors of First Place Arizona and Multiple Hub. "Autism has shaped my family's life in ways I could never have anticipated, and it's given me a deep appreciation for both the challenges and the possibilities ahead. I care deeply about creating opportunities for people with autism to thrive, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chairman. I look forward to working alongside the Board and leadership team to continue moving this work forward in ways that demonstrate urgency, compassion and respect in our efforts to enhance the quality of life for people with autism" said Savitz. The Autism Speaks Board reflects a diverse range of perspectives, including autistic people, parents, siblings, allies and subject matter experts. This diversity strengthens the organization's ability to address the evolving needs of the autism community. Savitz's leadership, grounded in both lived experience and professional expertise, will help guide the organization's continued work. About Autism Speaks In partnership with autistic people, Autism Speaks works to create an inclusive world and redefine possible for people with autism across their lifespan. As the largest autism organization in the U.S., Autism Speaks has spent more than two decades driving research, expanding services and shaping policy to improve quality of life. Each year, the organization connects millions of autistic people and their families to free resources, advocacy and support, while working across sectors to advance disability inclusion and opportunity. Learn more at AutismSpeaks.org and follow @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
The Autism Speaks Celebrity Chef Gala returns to cipriani. Kimberly Fisher is a Pursuitist contributor, freelance writer and luxury... On tuesday, March 31st, Autism Speaks will host its 19th annual Celebrity Chef Gala at cipriani wall street, transforming the iconic venue into one of New York's most meaningful - and delicious - philanthropic events of the year. The evening brings together nearly 50 of the world's most celebrated chefs, including daniel boulud, bobby flay, chris bianco, gabriel kreuther, andrew zimmern, brooke williamson, and maneet Chauhan. These culinary leaders will set aside their kitchens to support a mission centered on autism acceptance and inclusion. An evening of table side excellence. The gala offers a uniquely immersive experience that sets it apart from standard charity dinners. The evening begins with a lively cocktail reception, where guests can mingle while sampling bites and specialty drinks crafted by notable chefs and mixologists. The main event is a spectacle of intimate luxury. Unlike a typical seated dinner, award-winning chefs will execute four-course meals table side for their dedicated table of ten guests. This format allows for a rare, personal interaction with the culinary masters, turning dinner into a live, curated performance. Maneet Chauhan will serve as the evening's host, guiding guests through the night's festivities. Adding to the emotional resonance, the gala will feature a special performance by Abbey Romeo, a beloved figure from the Emmy-winning series Love on the Spectrum. A legacy of impact. For nearly two decades, this event has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of New York's philanthropic food scene. Over the past 18 years, the Autism Speaks Celebrity Chef Gala has raised more than $20 million to support programs that help autistic individuals and their families access essential resources, services, and opportunities. This year, the event will also introduce the Bob Wright Philanthropy Award, named in honor of Autism Speaks' co-founder. Wright, a former NBC Universal CEO, turned his family's personal experience into a global advocacy movement. The award celebrates visionary investments in the autism field, recognizing individuals or organizations with a profound impact on improving lives across the spectrum. How to participate. For those looking to experience this unique intersection of haute cuisine and high impact, tickets and sponsorships for the March 31st event are still available. Supporters who cannot attend can also contribute through donations.
Walking for a cause: stepping toward autism awareness. This October in Bucks County, PA, its Community Participation Supports (CPS) teams proudly joined Autism Speaks' 31-Mile Walk/Run Challenge - showing its ongoing commitment to inclusion, understanding, and support for people with autism. Throughout the month, teams stayed active and energized, turning every mile into a message of awareness and community. * Becc's group: 59.05 miles * Kelli's group: 36 miles * Aisha's group: 40 miles RHA Health Services, LLC is grateful for the dedication of its staff and participants whose enthusiasm made this challenge both meaningful and fun. Together, they walked more than miles - they walked toward a more inclusive world.
"And I'm really also excited to announce that Autism Speaks has recently launched an autism-friendly training course.