LA28 Olympian/Paralympian Athlete Fellowship Program: Summer 2026

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is the independent, non-profit, privately funded organizing committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are on a singular mission to create an Olympic and Paralympic Games that celebrate all that this city and country have to offer, delivering an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners and our community.  

The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and Los Angeles’ third time hosting an Olympic Games and first time welcoming the Paralympic Games. This presents the unique and exciting opportunity to celebrate our legacy with the Games and push the Olympic and Paralympic Movements forward, writing a new chapter of Games history in Los Angeles.  

Putting on an Olympic and Paralympic Games is a team sport. To build a Games unlike any the world has seen before, we need the best team in place–a team full of diverse perspectives, experiences and expertise. We are guided by the following set of values and behaviors–optimism, integrity, excellence, inclusion, co-creation and boldness–and look forward to hearing about how your past experiences align with them.

PROGRAM 

The LA28 Olympian/Paralympian Athlete Fellowship Program is a year-long opportunity featuring two six-month rotations across LA28’s operational teams. Successful candidates will complete one rotation from July to December 2026 and another from January to June 2027. Assignments will be determined based on interviews and the applicant pool. Fellows will gain valuable work experience, expand their networks, and provide feedback throughout the program.  

Since its launch in 2021, the program has supported 44 participants and graduates. These Athlete Fellows have represented 19 countries and competed in 24 sports, collectively earning 27 Olympic and Paralympic medals across 17 editions of the Games.  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

This is a non‑exempt, benefits‑eligible position with an hourly rate of pay of $33.00/hour. 

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

• Must have competed in Olympic or Paralympic Games (Summer/Winter/any year/USA or any country) 
• Must hold current US work permit/employment authorization, no sponsorship will be provided. 
• Must be retired from elite international competition and able to work full time. 
• Excellent written, verbal skills and analytical ability 
• Must live or be willing to relocate to LA area (relocation assistance not provided) 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Available to work onsite in our Downtown Los Angeles-based office 
• The majority of work will be conducted in an office setting, requiring extended periods of time using computers, phones, and other office equipment.  
• The LA28 office is an open floorplan working environment; employees must be able to work efficiently in an open cubicle environment.  

TIMELINE

• March 4th - Application portal opens  
• April 17th: 5pm PT - Application portal closes  
• April - May - Application review and interviews  
• Late May / Early June – Offers extended  
• July 6th - Program Starts – Fellows begin first rotation  

FUNCTIONAL AREAS

LA28’s work spans many teams, each focused on a different aspect of planning and delivering the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games. For the Summer 2026 cohort, Fellows will be placed in one participating Functional Area (FA) based on program needs, qualifications, and your ranked preferences. 
 
As part of the application, you will select your top 1–5 Functional Areas for consideration. Each FA offers different project work and may require specific tools, technical skills, or functional expertise. 

• A detailed overview of participating FAs, including sample project work and relevant skills/tools—is provided in the Functional Areas overview PDF linked here:  Athlete Fellowship Functional Areas

Note: Submitting preferences does not guarantee placement in a specific FA; final placement will be determined based on alignment between candidate skills/interest and team needs. 

INFORMATION SESSIONS 

If you would like more information or have questions, please register for one of the Virtual sessions below. 

• Wednesday, March 25th @ 5:00 PM PT: CLICK TO REGISTER 
• Wednesday, April 1st @ 12:00 PM PT: CLICK TO REGISTER  

SUBMISSION

To apply submit: 

• Resume / CV
• Cover letter outlining why you would like to work for LA28 and what you would contribute to the organization 
• A ranking of your top five Departments (1–5), included within your resume/CV
• You may update and resubmit your ranked preferences after your interview, if needed. Please note that rotation availability is subject to change. 

Athlete Fellows can expect an hourly rate of $33.00 per hour and will be scheduled to work a 40-hour week. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28’s operational business needs and applicable law.

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is committed to fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin, or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. LA28 will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and all applicable laws. We strive to build a team that is inclusive and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.