Development Intern

Illinois Policy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 9,918,720; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit organization in Chicago is seeking a highly motivated development intern to support fundraising efforts. This internship offers practical experience in donor relations, event coordination, and strategic outreach. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication skills and a keen interest in public policy. The position lasts 10 weeks, with a compensation of $18.00 per hour. This is an excellent opportunity for students looking to gain insight into the nonprofit sector, engage with donors, and contribute to meaningful policy change in Illinois.

Qualifications

• Student interested in public policy, nonprofit development, communications, or business.
• Must demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct donor and prospect research to support the fundraising strategy.
• Assist with preparation of donor meetings and follow-up communications.
• Support data entry, gift acknowledgment, and CRM maintenance.
• Help coordinate fundraising events and donor briefings.
• Draft and edit donor-facing materials.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to development strategy.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

High attention to detail

Interest in public policy

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Self-starter mindset

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

The Illinois Policy Institute is seeking highly motivated, mission-aligned development intern to support our growing fundraising and external relations efforts. This internship offers a hands‑on opportunity to learn how a leading state-based think tank engages donors, advances its mission, and grows a world‑class development program.

About the Role

The development intern will work closely with our development and external relations team to support donor research, event preparation, gift processing, stewardship, and strategic outreach. This role is ideal for students interested in public policy, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, communications, or relationship‑driven work.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct donor and prospect research to support gift officer strategy
• Assist with preparation of donor meetings, briefing materials, and follow‑up communications
• Support data entry, gift acknowledgment, and CRM maintenance
• Help coordinate fundraising events, roundtables, and donor briefings
• Draft and edit donor‑facing materials, including impact updates and organizational reports
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to development strategy projects
• Provide general support to the External Relations team as needed

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects
• Professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to high‑quality work
• Interest in public policy, nonprofit development, communications, or business
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with Salesforce is a plus
• Self‑starter mindset and eagerness to learn in a fast‑paced environment

What You Will Gain

• Practical experience in nonprofit fundraising and donor relations
• Exposure to strategic planning, philanthropy, and policy advocacy
• Mentorship from seasoned development professionals
• A strong portfolio of writing, research, and project work
• The opportunity to meaningfully support an organization shaping policy and expanding freedom in Illinois

Compensation & Benefits

This is a temporary, full‑time internship position lasting 10 weeks, with an expected schedule of approximately 40 hours per week during the internship period. Compensation is $18.00 per hour. As a temporary internship position, this role is not eligible for employer-sponsored benefits, including but not limited to health insurance, dental or vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, or other fringe benefits.