Advancement and Community Engagement Intern

Helping Hand; Countryside, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Purpose-driven work that changes lives

Team member appreciation events and202

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and

PSLF-qualifying employer under the Fed

Job summary

Helping Hand is seeking an Advancement & Community Engagement Intern to support fundraising, donor engagement, and communications. This three-month internship is on-site and part-time, offering hands-on nonprofit development experience under the Director of Advancement.

You'll help plan the annual appeal, coordinate donor materials, research fundraising trends, and connect with community partners and podcast guests while gaining skills in content creation and event support.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Current enrollment in or recent completion of a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Advertising, or a related field.
• Relevant multimedia communications coursework or certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Annual Appeal and Donor Engagement: Support planning, messaging, and outreach for Helping Hand's annual appeal.
• Connection Crew and Community Outreach: Research partners, conduct outreach, and coordinate presentations and podcast guests.
• Events and General Support: Assist in planning, promotion, and execution of fundraising events; provide administrative support.
• Coordinate donor materials, timelines, and outreach activities.
• Maintain records of outreach efforts and engagements.
• Collaborate with team members to strengthen donor communications and community awareness.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's in Communications/Marketing or related field

Multimedia communications coursework

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

Description

Are you a creative communicator who enjoys building relationships, developing meaningful content, and connecting people with a mission? Helping Hand is seeking an Advancement & Community Engagement Intern to support our fundraising, community outreach, and communication efforts.

This three-month internship offers hands‑on experience in nonprofit development, donor engagement, community partnership building, event support, and copywriting. Working under the direction of the Director of Advancement, you will collaborate with team members across the organization to strengthen Helping Hand’s annual appeal, expand opportunities for our Connection Crew, and share stories that advance our mission of transforming lives through genuine care and education and our vision that all people are equally valued.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• On‑site position, part‑time
• Three (3) month internship
• Hourly rate: $20.50/hour (non‑exempt)
• Flexibility to work at different Helping Hand sites
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend assignments, typically averaging one evening per week and one weekend day per month, based on department needs.

HELPING HAND PERKS:

• Purpose‑driven work that changes lives.
• Team member appreciation events and year‑round recognition.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness support.
• PSLF‑qualifying employer under the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Annual Appeal and Donor Engagement

• Review and evaluate previous annual appeal strategies, materials, outcomes, and donor engagement approaches.
• Research nonprofit fundraising trends, best practices, and creative strategies for engaging donors and community members.
• Assist with the planning, development, messaging, and outreach associated with Helping Hand's annual appeal.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen donor communications and increase community awareness, engagement, and participation.
• Help coordinate annual appeal materials, timelines, donor information, and outreach activities.

Connection Crew and Community Outreach

• Research and identify community organizations, businesses, schools, and other prospective partners for Connection Crew presentations.
• Conduct outreach to secure opportunities for the Connection Crew to present the Equally Valued Speaker Series.
• Develop an individualized Equally Valued Speaker Series presentation for each Connection Crew client.
• Coordinate presentation scheduling and maintain accurate, organized records of outreach efforts, responses, and confirmed engagements.
• Invite community partners to participate as guests on Helping Hand's podcast.
• Collaborate with the Digital Media & Podcast Intern and internal team members to coordinate podcast guests, topics, scheduling, and related logistics.

Events and General Support

• Assist with the planning, coordination, promotion, and execution of fundraising events and other organizational activities.
• Attend and actively support agency fundraising events as requested.
• Manage assigned deadlines and complete documentation and project materials accurately and on time.
• Participate in workshops, training opportunities, and other skill‑building activities.
• Provide timely administrative support and contribute wherever needed to help the Advancement team succeed.

Requirements

WHAT YOU BRING:

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Current enrollment in or recent completion of a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Advertising, or a related field.
• Relevant multimedia communications coursework or certification preferred.

Experience

• At least two years of relevant experience in areas such as marketing, research, sales, customer relations, and/or administrative support.
• Previous experience in a development or nonprofit environment is highly desirable.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising principles, current fundraising trends, and donor engagement is preferred but not required.
• Strong verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and follow through on assignments.
• Professionalism, creativity, initiative, reliability, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed.
• Strong critical‑thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to promote and adhere to company values.
• A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

Additional Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, personal vehicle insurance, and the ability to travel independently to Helping Hand locations and community events.
• Flexibility to work at different Helping Hand sites.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend assignments—typically averaging one evening per week and one weekend day per month, based on department needs.
• Ability to work in office, community, and occasional outdoor environments.
• Ability to move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Comfort working within environments that support individuals who may display challenging or physically aggressive behaviors, including during periods of crisis or de‑escalation.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position performs a combination of office‑based and community‑based work and regularly uses a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.
• The team member must be able to move throughout all HH environments and have the ability to communicate information and ideas so that others will understand at all levels of the organization.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing department needs and occasional travel between HH locations.
• At times, this position requires the individual to work in outdoor environments and may require the ability to transfer materials (up to 20lbs) or other individuals.

Helping Hand is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that embracing our differences strengthens our community and enhances the quality of care we provide.