Student Philanthropy Internship

The ASU Foundation fosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact. These partnerships empower ASU to advance student access, serve our community, protect the planet, create equity in higher education and conduct research for the public good.  

The Student Philanthropy Internship provides undergraduate juniors and seniors with hands-on experience in the world of philanthropy and fundraising. The intern will gain a foundational understanding of philanthropic principles and practices, support development officers in key tasks, and actively participate in various projects and initiatives that advance donor engagement and institutional outreach efforts.

Through a central rotation with various teams such as Donor Relations, Annual Giving, and Research and Prospect Management, among others, interns will acquire diverse skills, enabling them to make valuable contributions to ASU Foundation and support impactful fundraising efforts that directly advance institutional goals. Following the central rotation, interns will be embedded within a specific fundraising unit, where they will work closely with development officers and team members to contribute directly to unit-specific fundraising goals and strategies. In this phase, the intern will take on more specialized responsibilities, allowing interns to apply the knowledge and skills gained during their rotation to real-world fundraising initiatives, further developing their expertise in a targeted area of philanthropy.

This immersive experience will equip interns with in-demand skills in relationship management, strategic communication, and philanthropic leadership, positioning them for future success in nonprofit and development careers.

This paid internship will require approximately 20 hours per week. It is intended to last a minimum of 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

What you’ll do: 

• Participate in unit-specific fundraising initiatives, contributing to goals and strategies
• Engage with alumni, donors, and other stakeholders to strengthen relationships and support outreach efforts
• Prepare materials for donor meetings, events, and presentations, ensuring professionalism and accuracy
• Research prospective donors and funding opportunities to help inform fundraising strategies
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams during the central rotation to gain exposure to various aspects of philanthropy
• Contribute to the creation of donor communications, including newsletters, impact reports, and social media content
• Manage and update donor records and databases to ensure accurate and timely information
• Shadow development officers during donor meetings, events, and strategy sessions to gain real-world experience
• Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events, including logistics, promotion, and volunteer coordination
• Attend networking events, guest speaker sessions, and other professional development opportunities to expand industry knowledge
• Attend and participate in the Annual Advance, a gathering that brings together the entire organization to grow and network
• Present key findings and experiences to ASU Foundation Senior Leadership at the conclusion of the internship
• Perform additional tasks as needed to support unit-specific and foundation-wide goals

What you'll need:  

• Keen interest in pursuing a fundraising or philanthropic related career following graduation
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to craft clear and compelling messages
• Excellent organization and prioritization skills, able to balance multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, with a high attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned tasks
• Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks and maintain accuracy in data entry, record-keeping, and donor communications
• Ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives
• Driven self-starter with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrate a customer service mindset focused on providing a positive experience for donors, alumni, and other stakeholders
• Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible
• Strong and collegial interpersonal skills with an ability to engage professionally and confidently with diverse groups, including donors, alumni, and colleagues
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Foundation and University business and confidential prospect information
• Ability to represent the institution well and possess an advocate’s belief in the vision of ASU as the New American University
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database management

Relevant qualifications: 

• A current junior or senior at Arizona State University pursuing a degree with a willingness to learn and ability to work well with others
• Must be willing to sign and abide by a confidentiality agreement

The ASU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Learn More:

Salary : $30