KIP Spring 2027 - Development Intern - Illinois Policy Institute

Standtogether; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Policy Institute is seeking a highly motivated development intern to support fundraising and external relations efforts. This hands-on role offers exposure to donor research, meeting coordination, CRM maintenance, event support, and drafting donor communications.

You will collaborate with a team to contribute to development strategy projects and gain practical nonprofit fundraising experience while learning in a fast-paced policy environment in Illinois.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Professionalism, discretion, and commitment to high-quality work.
• Interest in public policy, nonprofit development, communications, or business.
• Self-starter mindset and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Self-starter

Project management

Nonprofit fundraising

Donor relations

Policy advocacy

Mentorship

Portfolio of writing/research

Writing

Tools

Microsoft Office

Salesforce

Job description

The Koch Internship Program (KIP) is a paid experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers professional development, leadership training, and meaningful work experience at non-profits tackling some of our nation's most pressing policy challenges all over the United States. Early-career professionals including undergraduate/graduate/law students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Eligible candidates will be geographically located in and authorized to work in the United States through the duration of the program. Successful candidates will interview with both our non-profit partner organizations and Stand Together Fellowships staff, so we strongly encourage you to begin the admissions process early!

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

• 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

• 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
• 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

Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participantsand applicantswith honesty, dignity, respectand sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardlessofcolor,race,religion,religious creed,sex,genderor gender identity,gender expression,sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy(including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions),military andveteran status,genetic information,maritalor familialstatus, political affiliation,or any other legallyrecognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.