Development Intern

African Parks Foundation of America; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 6,093 - 7,298; Part time

Job summary

African Parks Foundation of America (APFA) in Washington, DC, is seeking a Development Intern to support fundraising and donor engagement on a part‑time basis. The role offers hands‑on experience in nonprofit development, donor stewardship, and fundraising operations, with close work alongside APFA's Development team.

The intern will conduct donor and prospect research, maintain fundraising data, and assist with donor cultivation and fundraising events that advance APFA's annual goals.

Qualifications

• Open to undergraduate or graduate students.
• Interest in nonprofit development, fundraising, events, or international conservation.
• Commit 15–20 hours per week during APFA's business hours.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational skills.
• Experience with nonprofit fundraising, events, or research is a plus.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Part-time hybrid role (15–20 hours/week) with in-person office presence one day/week.
• DC office located on 14th Street.

Responsibilities

• Conduct prospect research to identify potential individual and foundation supporters.
• Prepare donor and prospect profiles, briefing materials, and summaries for staff and leadership.
• Support planning and execution of donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events.
• Assist with event logistics, guest list management, registration tracking, and post-event follow-up.
• Support data management: data entry, record updates, gift tracking, and CRM cleanup.
• Assist with tracking donor communications and engagement activities.
• Provide general administrative support to the development team.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Self-motivation

Fundraising interest

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Organization: African Parks Foundation of America

Location: Washington, DC

Report To: Development Associate

Position Type: Temporary Internship

About African Parks Foundation of America

African Parks Foundation of America (APFA) is a non‑profit organization dedicated to the preservation and sustainable management of Africa’s national parks and protected areas. By partnering with African governments and local communities, APFA supports the work of African Parks, ensuring the long‑term protection of wildlife, ecosystems, and livelihoods. Together, we manage 24 parks in 13 countries, covering over 20 million hectares, making African Parks the largest and most ecologically diverse conservation network on the continent.

Job Summary

African Parks Foundation of America (APFA) supports the work of African Parks, a conservation organization that manages protected areas across Africa in partnership with governments and local communities. Together, we work to restore and protect wildlife, preserve biodiversity, and create long‑term benefits for people and nature.

The Development Intern will play an important role in supporting APFA’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This part‑time position offers hands‑on experience in nonprofit development, donor stewardship, and fundraising operations. The intern will work closely with the Development team to conduct donor and prospect research, maintain accurate fundraising data, and support donor cultivation and fundraising events that advance APFA’s annual goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct prospect research to identify and qualify potential individual and foundation supporters.
• Prepare donor and prospect profiles, briefing materials, and research summaries for development staff and leadership.
• Support the planning and execution of donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events.
• Assist with event logistics, guest list management, registration tracking, and post‑event follow‑up activities.
• Support ongoing data management efforts, including data entry, record updates, gift tracking, and database cleanup projects within the organization’s donor database (CRM).
• Assist with tracking donor communications and engagement activities.
• Provide general administrative support to the development team.

Qualifications

• Open to current undergraduate and graduate students.
• Interest in nonprofit development, fundraising, events, or international conservation.
• Able to commit a minimum of 15‑20 hours per week (during APFA’s business hours).
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Experience with nonprofit fundraising, events, or conducting research is a plus.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Part‑time hybrid position (15‑20 hours/week).
• APFA’s DC office is located on 14th Street, and we expect this role to be in person one day per week.

Preferred Attributes

• Proactive and self‑motivated.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Experience or interest in international conservation and protected area management.

Compensation

• This internship includes total compensation of $3,000 for the duration of the internship (August through December). Compensation will be paid through APFA’s regular payroll, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, and is contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued participation in the program.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position remains open until filled.

African Parks Foundation of America is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.