Development Intern (Spring 2026)

Innocence Project • New York, NY

21d • $19 - $21 • Hybrid

About The Position

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 250 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org . JOB SUMMARY: The Innocence Project is seeking an intern to support the Development team. The Development Intern will report to the Development Assistant and will work with other members of the Development team. The intern can expect to gain direct exposure to various areas of fundraising, such as digital, institutional, and individual giving. This position offers a unique opportunity to work across different sectors of a fundraising department, allowing the intern to witness and contribute to all parts of the fundraising process, from creating messaging for donors to processing their donations. This position will be a 15-week paid internship with a minimum requirement of 16 hours per week beginning in February 2026. The timeframe and schedule are flexible. The internship will be hybrid with at least one day per week in the office. All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect, and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experiences of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer.

Requirements

• Prior experience or coursework in fundraising, nonprofit management, communications, or related fields is preferred but not required.
• Experience in upholding ethical standards and confidentiality in handling donor information and organizational processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with donor management software is preferred (e.g., Salesforce), but not required.
• An interest in fundraising paired with a passion for crafting compelling narratives.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and adhere to timelines.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to navigate evolving priorities and tasks within the internship role, willingness to learn and grow professionally.
• Strong sense of personal responsibility and accountability for delivering high-quality work

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with donor management software is preferred (e.g., Salesforce), but not required.
• Prior experience or coursework in fundraising, nonprofit management, communications, or related fields is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Grow your understanding of fundraising principles and tactics, including fundraising strategies and donor cultivation technique through project-based work.
• Assist in digital fundraising campaigns, including email appeals and initiatives, to enhance donor engagement and drive online giving.
• Support the cultivation of relationships with individual donors through personalized communication efforts aimed at deepening donor engagement and support, as well as reviewing and processing donor profiles.
• Gain exposure to backend processes such as gift processing and donor database management, assisting in maintaining accurate records and assisting in data clean up.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed