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Nonprofit Program & Development Intern (Unpaid)

L1

distinguished young women of illinoisChicago, ILtoday

Occupations

FundraisersPublic Relations SpecialistsSocial Science Research Assistants

Industries

Civic and Social OrganizationsOther Social Advocacy OrganizationsEducational Support Services
Company Description: Distinguished Young Women of Illinois is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholastics, leadership, and talent in high school students across the state. Participants gain access to college scholarship opportunities, life skills workshops, and a supportive network of peers. The program is free to enter and focuses on building confidence through interview preparation, public speaking, and the Be Your Best Self initiative, which emphasizes healthy, ambitious, involved, responsible, and studious lifestyles. Scholarships are awarded based on talent, interview performance, self-expression, fitness, and scholastics, with substantial cash and college-granted scholarships available each year. As a state program within a large national network, Distinguished Young Women of Illinois partners with schools, communities, and volunteers to expand educational and leadership opportunities.
Position Overview:
  • The Nonprofit Program & Development Intern will work directly with the organization's leadership to support applicant recruitment, program administration, communications, fundraising, grant research, sponsorship development, and event preparation.
  • This internship provides practical experience in nonprofit operations and project management. The student will be assigned substantive projects, receive regular supervision and feedback, and complete a final portfolio documenting work performed and skills developed.
  • This is an unpaid internship designed to earn college credit, where available.
  • Primary Responsibilities1. Communications and Public Relations
  • Draft press releases recruiting program applicants.
  • Draft press releases promoting audience attendance.
  • Prepare finalist announcements for distribution to local communities.
  • Create and maintain a social media presence consistent with organizational branding and approved communications policies.
  • Draft scripts for program activities and presentations.
  • Prepare and edit program books.2. Applicant Recruitment and Support
  • Divide Illinois cities or ZIP codes into four geographic recruitment territories.
  • Update school-principal contact lists with current names and email addresses.
  • Communicate program information to principals.
  • Send applicant communications explaining application steps, requirements, deadlines, and next actions.
  • Schedule interviews and maintain an interview calendar.
  • Organize applicant and program information in approved organizational systems.3. Program Materials and Administration
  • Update the participant guidebook.
  • Revise orientation PowerPoint presentations.
  • Prepare certificates for participants and coordinate printing and mailing.
  • Prepare contact lists for each finalist's principal, superintendent, and school board.
  • Create and maintain event admission and raffle ticket tracking systems.
  • Assist with the online ticket store.
  • Prepare emergency contact lists and health forms using approved privacy and recordkeeping procedures.4. Fundraising, Sponsorship, and Grants
  • Identify prospective silent-auction donors and solicit donations using approved scripts and procedures.
  • Help organize, set up, and manage the silent auction.
  • Solicit business sponsorships for advertisements in program books.
  • Design and execute a fundraising campaign or event.
  • Research grants for which the organization may be eligible and draft grant applications for supervisor review.
  • Develop raffle baskets and coordinate donated items.
  • Solicit food donations from appropriate businesses and community partners.5. Research and Project Management
  • Research prospects, organize information, and maintain project trackers.
  • Document outreach activity and follow-up dates.
  • Monitor deadlines, deliverables, and outstanding approvals.
  • Maintain accurate records of contacts, donations, sponsorships, and event materials.
Qualifications:
  • Current college or university student interested in nonprofit work, communications, marketing, fundraising, event planning, business, or a related field.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Attention to detail and ability to organize multiple projects.
  • Professional email and telephone etiquette.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
  • Willingness to learn new software and organizational systems.
  • Ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
  • Interest in educational opportunity, scholarships, and community engagement.
  • Prior experience with fundraising, grant writing, social media, or event planning is helpful but not required.
  • Learning Opportunities
  • The intern will gain practical experience in:
  • Professional writing and public relations.
  • Nonprofit program administration.
  • Database and contact-list management.
  • Community outreach and partnership development.
  • Fundraising and sponsorship solicitation.
  • Grant research and proposal development.
  • Event logistics and ticketing.
  • Digital marketing and social media.
  • Project management and professional communication.
Apply now (opens in a new tab)
Apply now (opens in a new tab)

Level

InternL1

Location

Chicago, IL

Occupation

Fundraisers

Industry

Civic and Social Organizations

Posted

today

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