Development Intern

American Lung Association•Chicago, IL

20h•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, communications, and related administrative work. The internship provides experience in nonprofit fundraising, event management, and communications while supporting the Association’s mission to improve lung health and prevent lung disease through research, education, and advocacy. This unpaid internship is for Spring 2027 and must be completed by June 2027. It requires a minimum commitment of 10–15 hours per week on a flexible schedule and must be eligible for college credit or fulfill a graduation requirement. The work arrangement is hybrid, combining in-person and virtual work. The intern will learn about the American Lung Association’s mission and its development and communications efforts; use Microsoft Office tools and ALA databases; participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities; and assist with communications and Fight For Air Climbs activities. Learning outcomes include developing skills in office software, social media, community outreach, event marketing and management, collaboration, relationship cultivation, and professional workplace communication.

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; documentation from an accredited college or university must confirm eligibility for course credit or fulfillment of an internship graduation requirement before the unpaid internship begins.
Must be enthusiastic, reliable, and interested in developing a career in Development, Public Relations, or nonprofit management.
Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
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.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds of supplies.
Interns and volunteers must abstain from tobacco use in any form, including vaping, in keeping with the Association’s smoke-free workplace policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in Canva.

Responsibilities

Learn about the American Lung Association, its mission, and its development and communications efforts.
Use Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other American Lung Association databases, with technical training provided.
Participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities.
Provide general administrative support for communications and gain exposure to event terminology.
Assist in developing media materials, including social media content and graphic design.
Help compile media lists, media calendars, and communications plans.
Brainstorm and contribute creative ideas for communications related to events, programs, and advocacy efforts across the Western Division.
Provide general administrative support for Fight For Air Climbs and gain exposure to event terminology.
Assist with data entry, promotional event tabling, mailings, event promotion dissemination, and volunteer recruitment.
Brainstorm and contribute ideas for Fight For Air Climbs marketing, recruitment, and fundraising plans.
Collaborate with staff and support community outreach and participant event marketing and management.