Development Operations Intern

ESP • Watkinsville, GA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

ESP is seeking a detail-oriented, coachable intern interested in fundraising, nonprofit development, and foundation work. The role provides hands-on experience supporting the day-to-day operations of a mission-driven development team and learning about donor relations, grant funding, and fundraising strategy.

The intern will support donor and data management in Salesforce, conduct grant and foundation research, assist with fundraising and donor stewardship initiatives, and help create documents and systems that improve the development team’s efficiency. The ideal candidate is organized, eager to learn, comfortable with data and processes, and motivated to contribute to ESP’s mission.

ESP creates transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families. Founded in 1986 in Watkinsville, Georgia, ESP operates five locations across Georgia and North Carolina, providing year-round programming, summer camp, and family support to 1,450 families. Its social enterprise, Java Joy, employs 82 adults with developmental disabilities through a mobile coffee model.

This internship is scheduled for the spring semester, approximately January 11, 2027 through May 7, 2027, and pays $10 per hour. It is based in Watkinsville, Georgia, and reports to the Director, Annual Giving and Donor Stewardship. ESP provides equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the hiring process and in employment, services, programs, and activities.

Requirements

• Current college student or recent graduate pursuing a degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, marketing, public administration, philanthropy, or a related field.
• Interest in fundraising, nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, or foundation relations.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn new systems and processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Passion for ESP’s mission and desire to make a meaningful impact.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM/database systems is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with updating and maintaining Salesforce records.
• Gather information and conduct background research on potential funders and active grant applications.
• Support fundraising efforts by preparing outreach materials and assisting with donor engagement and stewardship activities.
• Create development-related documents and help streamline the operations and efforts of full-time staff.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed