Development Intern

American Lung Association • Charleston, SC

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The American Lung Association is seeking a Development Intern in Charleston, South Carolina, to work alongside the Development Team and support the organization’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through research, education, and advocacy. The intern will assist Development staff with fundraising, donor stewardship, and event-planning activities while gaining experience in marketing, communications, public relations, and nonprofit management.

This is an unpaid internship for the spring semester, January 2027 through May 2027. It requires a minimum commitment of 8 hours per week on a flexible schedule. Candidates must be eligible to receive college credit or fulfill a graduation requirement. The position combines in-person and virtual work.

The intern will learn about the American Lung Association’s mission and development and communications efforts; use DonorDrive, One Cause, and Microsoft applications; participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities; and assist with event planning, execution, participant recruitment, and stewardship. Events include Lip Sync For Lungs in February 2027, Oxygen Ball in April 2027, and Backpacks for Bright Futures in July 2027.

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. The American Lung Association maintains a smoke-free workplace. Interns and volunteers must abstain from tobacco use in any form and must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless approved for a medical or religious exemption.

Requirements

• Must be working toward a bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Marketing, Communications, Public Health, Public Relations, Hospitality, or a related field.
• Must be eligible to receive college credit for the internship or fulfill a graduation requirement; documentation from an accredited college or university is required before the internship begins.
• Enthusiasm, reliability, and interest in developing a career in nonprofit management, marketing, communications, public relations, or a similar field.
• 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 a willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
• Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds of supplies.
• Must abstain from tobacco use in any form.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless approved for a medical or religious exemption.

Responsibilities

• Assist Development staff with fundraising, donor stewardship, and event-planning activities.
• Become knowledgeable about the American Lung Association’s mission, development, and communications efforts.
• Use DonorDrive, One Cause, and Microsoft applications as part of technical training.
• Participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities.
• Support event planning and execution and learn event terminology and large-scale event operations.
• Assist with recruitment and stewardship of event participants for Lip Sync For Lungs, Oxygen Ball, and Backpacks for Bright Futures.
• Develop communications for email fundraising campaigns, press releases, and event promotion and marketing.
• Collaborate with staff and cultivate relationships.
• Communicate in a professional business setting.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern