Development Graduate Intern (Paid, Hourly, Part-Time)

Accounting Aid Society•Detroit, MI

55d

About The Position

Accounting Aid Society is seeking a Development Graduate Intern to provide hands-on support to the Development team, with a particular focus on fundraising appeals, donor engagement and stewardship, donor communications, campaign preparation, mailings, and other day-to-day Development activities. The intern will report to the Director of Development & Philanthropy and work closely with the Donor Engagement and Governance Manager. This graduate-level internship is designed to provide practical nonprofit fundraising experience while adding meaningful capacity to active Development priorities. For the Winter term, anticipated assignments include the February LYBUNT donor renewal campaign, the Spring Appeal, and stewardship communications for Abacus Society donors.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in a graduate program in English, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Strong professional writing, editing, research, and communication skills, with the ability to develop clear and compelling content for different audiences.
Strong organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or comparable productivity applications; ability and willingness to learn and use Canva.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Development, Marketing, and other organizational staff.
Interest in nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, donor engagement, communications, or mission-driven work, and ability to appropriately handle confidential donor and organizational information.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with professional or academic writing, communications, public relations, marketing, nonprofit organizations, fundraising, philanthropy, or community engagement.
Experience with Canva, social media or digital communications, or other content-creation tools.
Graduate students participating in Federal Work-Study or another university-supported student employment program are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Support planning, preparation, and execution of annual giving and donor solicitation campaigns.
Draft and refine donor solicitation letters, handwritten messages, campaign copy, and related fundraising communications for staff review.
Assist with donor mailings, including preparing materials, assembling packets, organizing mailing lists provided by staff, and supporting mailing logistics.
Develop supporting social media and digital content and create or adapt campaign materials using Canva in coordination with Development and Marketing.
Develop a compelling handwritten solicitation note for previous donors who have not yet renewed their support, for review and approval by Development staff; assist with card preparation, mailing coordination, and campaign execution.
Assist with development of the Spring Appeal theme and messaging; draft the solicitation letter and develop a supporting social media campaign for staff review; create campaign materials in Canva; and collaborate with Marketing on campaign messaging and design.
Support donor acknowledgment, stewardship, retention, and engagement activities, including donor appreciation and recognition efforts.
Help identify organizational accomplishments, program outcomes, impact stories, and other information for donor communications.
Help design a stewardship impact communication series for the Abacus Society, Accounting Aid Society donors contributing $1,000 or more, including development of a potential dedicated Abacus Society newsletter or impact update.
Draft and edit donor-facing correspondence, fundraising communications, stewardship messages, newsletter content, and other Development materials for staff review.
Create and adapt Development materials in Canva and collaborate with Marketing to coordinate donor-centered messaging and communications.
Provide general administrative and project support, including organizing campaign resources, preparing materials, tracking deadlines and follow-up items, and assisting with donor mailings and special Development initiatives.
Conduct research on prospective individual donors, corporate partners, sponsors, and community partners as assigned, and prepare concise summaries for Development staff.
Assist with fundraising, donor cultivation, stewardship, and community engagement events, including invitations, RSVPs, materials, logistics, and follow-up as assigned.