Philanthropy / Event Management Non-Profit Management Internship- Spring 2027

Dallas Zoo Management • Dallas, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Spring 2027 internship focuses on philanthropy, development, fundraising, and event management at the Dallas Zoo. The intern will gain hands-on experience supporting fundraising campaigns and special donor and member events, including the Zoo’s annual Zoo To Do fundraiser. The role may also provide exposure to donor management systems, volunteer management, and membership programs. Interns assist with galas, other special events, and donor and member activities as needed.

Working with program managers and the advancement team, the intern will help prepare solicitation and acknowledgment letters, maintain acknowledgment processes, and identify when correspondence may need special messaging or updates. The intern may learn about cross-departmental planning, cost-effective event planning, soliciting monetary and in-kind contributions, tracking and acknowledging donations, volunteer and committee management, and coordinating event materials and participants such as sponsors, contractors, vendors, employees, and volunteers. The internship also includes learning to use the Zoo’s project management software and serving as an ambassador for the Zoo.

The Dallas Zoo College Internship Program is a learning opportunity for currently enrolled undergraduate students at accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Internships provide experience related to students’ education and may be based in animal care, conservation and research, operations, or administration. Interns work 20–40 hours per week for at least 12 weeks; this placement’s qualifications specify availability for 20–24 hours per week for up to 12 weeks, depending on the area, including weekends and holidays. Most internships are unpaid. The Zoo does not provide transportation, housing, or a stipend. Interns participate in at least one service-learning project and attend professional development sessions. Volunteer Services can work with students and schools to document internship experience for college credit.

Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled as a junior, senior, or master’s-level student at a college or university, or be a recent college graduate; applications are accepted within one year after graduation.
• Must be available 20–24 hours per week for up to 12 weeks, depending on the area, including weekends and holidays.
• Must be otherwise eligible to work in the United States at the time of the internship.
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must provide a current negative TB test before the internship start date.
• Must have some computer knowledge.
• Must be able to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Must communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Must establish and maintain effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, and zoo guests.
• Must have good observational skills.
• Must be able to work safely and as instructed around animals, tools, and equipment.
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above the head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders, carry up to 50 pounds, and actively work in inclement weather.
• Must be flexible, self-motivated, and a team player.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability is beneficial.
• Willingness to learn and actively use the Zoo’s project management software for event planning and collateral review.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and executing fundraising events, donor/member/prospect cultivation and stewardship events, and other events as needed.
• Support event production, including food and beverage arrangements, vendor management, and event setup and teardown.
• Collaborate with event fundraising chairs, volunteers, committees, staff, and vendors.
• Communicate regularly with Dallas Zoo leadership, staff, and others.
• Assist with solicitation letters, acknowledgment and thank-you letters, and program-specific acknowledgment processes.
• Use the Zoo’s project management software for event planning and collateral review, and meet deadlines.
• Serve as an ambassador of the Zoo.
• Support fundraising campaigns and donor and member activities, including Zoo To Do.
• Assist with event donation tracking and acknowledgment, and coordination of event collateral, sponsors, contractors, vendors, employees, and volunteers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern