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

Dallas Zoo Management • Dallas, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This spring internship focuses on philanthropy, development, fundraising, and event management at the Dallas Zoo. The intern will gain hands-on experience supporting fundraising campaigns and 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 work with program managers on solicitation and acknowledgment correspondence, maintaining program-specific acknowledgment processes, and identifying when special messaging or updates are needed.

The intern will assist with event planning and production, collaborating with event fundraising chairs, volunteers, committees, staff, and vendors, and communicating with Zoo leadership and other stakeholders. The position offers opportunities to learn about cross-departmental planning, cost-effective event analysis, soliciting monetary and in-kind contributions, tracking and acknowledging donations, and coordinating event collateral, sponsors, contractors, vendors, employees, and volunteers. The internship is unpaid. Interns work 20–40 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks; this position’s qualifications specify availability for 20–24 hours per week for up to 12 weeks, including holidays and weekends. The internship includes at least one service-learning project and professional development sessions. The Zoo does not provide transportation, housing, or a stipend.

Requirements

• Be currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university as a junior, senior, or master’s-level student, or be a recent college graduate; applications are accepted within one year after graduation.
• Be available 20–24 hours per week for up to 12 weeks, including holidays and weekends.
• Be flexible, self-motivated, and a team player.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective rapport with management, employees, and Zoo guests.
• Have good observational skills.
• Be able to work safely as instructed around animals, tools, and equipment.
• 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 work actively in inclement weather.
• Have a valid U.S. driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of the internship.
• Pass a background check and provide a current negative TB test before the internship start date.
• Have some computer knowledge.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and executing Dallas Zoo fundraising events, donor, member, and prospect cultivation and stewardship events, and other events as needed.
• Assist the advancement team with 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.
• Learn and actively use the Zoo’s project management software for event planning and collateral review, and meet deadlines.
• Assist with writing solicitation, acknowledgment, and thank-you letters in a timely manner.
• Help maintain program-specific acknowledgment processes and provide program managers with notes about special messaging or general updates when needed.
• Serve as an ambassador of the Zoo.
• Participate in at least one service-learning project and attend professional development sessions designed for Zoo interns.

What This Job Offers

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