Development Intern - Spring 2027

American Lung Association•San Diego, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Lung Association is offering an unpaid Development Intern position in San Diego, California, for Spring 2027. Working alongside the Development Team, the intern will support fundraising, special events, and communications activities while gaining experience in nonprofit fundraising, event management, and communications. The internship requires a minimum commitment of 10–15 hours per week on a flexible schedule, must be eligible for college credit or fulfill an internship graduation requirement, and must be completed by June 2027. Work will be hybrid, combining in-person and virtual work. The intern will learn about the American Lung Association’s mission, development, and communications efforts; gain technical experience with Microsoft Office tools and ALA databases; and participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities. Communications work may include administrative support, creating social media and graphic design materials, compiling media lists and calendars, and brainstorming communications ideas. Development work may include administrative support for the ALA Pickleball Tournament, Gala, and LUNG FORCE Walk; data entry; tabling at promotional events; mailings; event promotion; volunteer recruitment; and contributing ideas to the Walk’s marketing, recruitment, and fundraising plan. The internship also provides learning opportunities in nonprofit structure, teamwork, community outreach, event marketing and management, relationship cultivation, and professional office communication. Before the unpaid internship begins, documentation from an accredited college or university must confirm that the opportunity is eligible for course credit or fulfills an internship graduation requirement. Interns and volunteers must abstain from tobacco use in any form, including vaping, consistent with the American Lung Association’s smoke-free workplace policy.

Requirements

Must be working toward a bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Public Health, or a related field.
Must be eligible to receive college credit for the internship or fulfill an internship graduation requirement; college or university documentation is required before the internship begins.
Must commit at least 10–15 hours per week and complete the internship by June 2027.
Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
Enthusiasm, reliability, and interest in a career in Development, Public Relations, or nonprofit management.
Ability to multitask and work in a team environment, with a demonstrated willingness to learn.
Ability to work independently.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds of supplies.
Must abstain from tobacco use in any form, including vaping.

Responsibilities

Support fundraising, special events, and communications activities alongside the Development Team.
Learn about the American Lung Association’s mission, development, and communications efforts.
Use Microsoft Office tools and ALA databases for technical and administrative work.
Participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities.
Provide administrative support for communications and gain exposure to event terminology.
Assist with developing media materials, including social media content and graphic design.
Help compile media lists, media calendars, and communications plans.
Brainstorm communications ideas for events, programs, and advocacy efforts across the Western Division.
Provide administrative support for the ALA Pickleball Tournament, Gala, and LUNG FORCE Walk.
Assist with data entry, tabling at promotional events, mailings, event promotion dissemination, and volunteer recruitment.
Contribute ideas to the LUNG FORCE Walk marketing, recruitment, and fundraising plan.