Development & Media Engagement Intern

UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Development & Media Engagement Intern will support the UNCF Chicago Area Office by contributing to signature fundraising events, donor stewardship efforts, and a unique media and journalism partnership designed to elevate UNCF’s mission and the impact of HBCUs. This internship offers a blend of hands‑on event execution, donor engagement, and storytelling through digital and broadcast media. A portion of the internship (not to exceed 25%) will be spent working with CAN TV studios on a special media project that highlights UNCF’s mission for a city‑wide audience. This role is ideal for a student leader who is passionate about mission‑driven work, storytelling, community engagement, and amplifying the message that “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” ABOUT UNCF The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university (junior, senior, or graduate student preferred), undergraduate or graduate student in public administration, education, nonprofit management, business, or a related field.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Strong verbal and written storytelling skills.
Demonstrated interest in media, journalism, communications, fundraising, or nonprofit development.
Interest in video production, digital content, and social media platforms.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
Ability to work effectively in fast‑paced, event‑driven environments.
Passion for mission‑driven and cause‑based organizations.
Availability to work onsite during our core hours Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Availability for occasional evenings and weekends event(s).

Responsibilities

Provide operational and logistical support for key fundraising events, including: The 26th Annual Chicago AMI (A Mind Is…) Gala
Chicago and Milwaukee Walks for Education
Support event execution activities such as participant registration, volunteer coordination, and on site event management.
Assist with event preparation, day of logistics, and post event follow up activities.
Assist with donor outreach and stewardship efforts, including preparation of materials & follow up communications.
Support fundraising campaigns by drafting compelling fundraising appeals, email content, & social media copy.
Help engage community members and supporters around summer fundraising initiatives.
Participate in a structured media project in partnership with CAN TV studios.
Support the creation of digital and broadcast content that elevates: UNCF’s mission
The impact of HBCUs
Stories of students, donors, and community partners
Assist with research, scripting, filming coordination, and digital storytelling as appropriate.
Gain exposure to professional media production environments and processes.