Development Graduate Intern (Paid, Hourly, Part-Time)

Paylocity; Detroit, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Accounting Aid Society invites a Development Graduate Intern to support fundraising appeals, donor engagement and stewardship. You will work closely with the Development team to draft communications and coordinate campaigns.

The role focuses on LYBUNT renewal, Spring Appeal, and stewardship through newsletters or impact updates, while gaining practical nonprofit fundraising experience.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in a related field.
• Strong writing, editing and research abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills and deadline management.
• Proficiency with Office tools and Canva; quick learner.
• Ability to work independently with staff collaboration.
• Interest in nonprofit fundraising and donor communications.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and execution of annual giving campaigns.
• Draft donor letters, campaign copy, and communications.
• Assist with donor mailings and campaign logistics.
• Develop social media and Canva content with Marketing.
• Provide admin and tracking support for deadlines.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Research

Organization

Independence

Education

Graduate student in English / Communications / Marketing / Nonprofit Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Canva

Job description

All Jobs > Development Graduate Intern (Paid, Hourly, Part-Time)

Development Graduate Intern (Paid, Hourly, Part-Time)
Detroit

Description

Position Summary

Accounting Aid Society is seeking a Development Graduate Intern to provide hands‑on support to the Development team, with a particular focus on fundraising appeals, donor engagement and stewardship, donor communications, campaign preparation, mailings, and other day‑to‑day Development activities.

The intern will report to the Director of Development & Philanthropy and work closely with the Donor Engagement and Governance Manager. This graduate‑level internship is designed to provide practical nonprofit fundraising experience while adding meaningful capacity to active Development priorities. For the Winter term, anticipated assignments include the February LYBUNT donor renewal campaign, the Spring Appeal, and stewardship communications for Abacus Society donors.

Schedule

The position is expected to work 16-20 hours per week, generally over 2-3 weekdays, with the specific schedule established around the student's academic commitments and the needs of the Development team.

Term

Academic semester, potential continuation based on need, funding, and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Support planning, preparation, and execution of annual giving and donor solicitation campaigns.
• Draft and refine donor solicitation letters, handwritten messages, campaign copy, and related fundraising communications for staff review.
• Assist with donor mailings, including preparing materials, assembling packets, organizing mailing lists provided by staff, and supporting mailing logistics.
• Develop supporting social media and digital content and create or adapt campaign materials using Canva in coordination with Development and Marketing.

Winter‑Term Campaigns

• LYBUNT Campaign (February): Develop a compelling handwritten solicitation note for previous donors who have not yet renewed their support, for review and approval by Development staff; assist with card preparation, mailing coordination, and campaign execution.
• Spring Appeal (launches April 16): Assist with development of the Spring Appeal theme and messaging; draft the solicitation letter and develop a supporting social media campaign for staff review; create campaign materials in Canva; and collaborate with Marketing on campaign messaging and design.

Donor Stewardship and Engagement

• Support donor acknowledgment, stewardship, retention, and engagement activities, including donor appreciation and recognition efforts.
• Help identify organizational accomplishments, program outcomes, impact stories, and other information for donor communications.
• Help design a stewardship impact communication series for the Abacus Society, Accounting Aid Society donors contributing $1,000 or more, including development of a potential dedicated Abacus Society newsletter or impact update.

Development Communications and Operations

• Draft and edit donor-facing correspondence, fundraising communications, stewardship messages, newsletter content, and other Development materials for staff review.
• Create and adapt Development materials in Canva and collaborate with Marketing to coordinate donor‑centered messaging and communications.
• Provide general administrative and project support, including organizing campaign resources, preparing materials, tracking deadlines and follow‑up items, and assisting with donor mailings and special Development initiatives.

Research and Events

• Conduct research on prospective individual donors, corporate partners, sponsors, and community partners as assigned, and prepare concise summaries for Development staff.
• Assist with fundraising, donor cultivation, stewardship, and community engagement events, including invitations, RSVPs, materials, logistics, and follow‑up as assigned.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in English, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Strong professional writing, editing, research, and communication skills, with the ability to develop clear and compelling content for different audiences.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or comparable productivity applications; ability and willingness to learn and use Canva.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Development, Marketing, and other organizational staff.
• Interest in nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, donor engagement, communications, or mission‑driven work, and ability to appropriately handle confidential donor and organizational information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with professional or academic writing, communications, public relations, marketing, nonprofit organizations, fundraising, philanthropy, or community engagement.
• Experience with Canva, social media or digital communications, or other content‑creation tools.

Work‑Study

Federal Work‑Study eligibility is not required. Graduate students participating in Federal Work‑Study or another university‑supported student employment program are encouraged to apply. Applicants may identify their eligibility during the hiring process so Accounting Aid Society can determine whether the internship may participate in the applicable institution's program, subject to the requirements and approval of the student's college or university and Accounting Aid Society.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Accounting Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender status, sex stereotyping, protected veteran or military status, and other categories protected by federal, state, or local law.