Development Intern

American Lung Association•Chicago, IL

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Lung Association is seeking a Development Intern to support its Chicago staff and Development Team with fundraising, special events, and communications activities. The unpaid internship provides experience in nonprofit fundraising, event management, and communications while advancing the Association’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through research, education, and advocacy. The position is for Spring 2027 and must be completed by June 2027. Interns must commit at least 10–15 hours per week on a flexible schedule and be eligible for college credit or fulfill a graduation requirement. Work is hybrid, combining in-person and virtual work. The intern will learn about the American Lung Association’s mission and development and communications efforts; receive training in Microsoft Office and Association databases; and participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities. Activities may include communications support, developing social media and graphic design materials, compiling media lists and calendars, and contributing ideas for communications efforts. Development activities include administrative support for Fight For Air Climbs, data entry, promotional events, mailings, event promotion, volunteer recruitment, and marketing, recruitment, and fundraising planning. The internship is intended to build skills in organization, multitasking, communication, community outreach, event marketing and management, relationship cultivation, teamwork, and professional office communication. Before the unpaid internship begins, documentation from an accredited college or university must confirm eligibility for course credit or fulfillment of an internship graduation requirement. The Association maintains a smoke-free workplace; interns and volunteers must abstain from tobacco use in any form, including vaping.

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.
Must be able to commit at least 10–15 hours per week on a flexible schedule.
Must provide documentation from an accredited college or university confirming that the internship is eligible for course credit or fulfills an internship graduation requirement before the unpaid internship begins.
Enthusiastic, reliable, and interested in developing a career in Development, Public Relations, or nonprofit management.
Strong writing skills, attention to detail, and a keen interest in the American Lung Association’s mission.
Ability to multitask, work in a team environment, and demonstrate willingness to learn.
Ability to work independently.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. of supplies.
Must abstain from tobacco use in any form, including vaping.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in Canva.

Responsibilities

Assist Chicago staff with fundraising and special events activities.
Provide general administrative support for communications and gain familiarity with event terminology.
Assist in developing media materials, including social media content and graphic design.
Compile media lists, media calendars, and communications plans.
Brainstorm and contribute creative ideas for communications efforts for events, programs, and advocacy efforts across the Western Division.
Provide general administrative support for Fight For Air Climbs.
Assist with data entry, tabling at promotional events, mailings, event promotion dissemination, and volunteer recruitment.
Contribute ideas for Fight For Air Climbs marketing, recruitment, and fundraising plans.
Participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities.
Use Microsoft Office and other American Lung Association databases as part of technical training.