Strategic Philanthropy & Social Impact Internship

Cal Alumni Association • Berkeley, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Cal Alumni Association (CAA), in collaboration with the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP), invites UC Berkeley students to apply for an internship within the Office of Development. This role focuses on strategic philanthropy, donor engagement, grant research, and mission-driven initiatives that strengthen alumni connections and advance university impact. Guided by GSPP’s values of public service, innovation, equity, and evidence-based leadership, interns will gain experience developing inclusive, data-driven philanthropic strategies that support UC Berkeley’s mission of access, excellence, and social impact. Interns will support the Office of Development by identifying, researching, and advancing opportunities for grants, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and creative philanthropic partnerships. Work will blend rigorous policy-style analysis with innovative, creative execution to expand funding streams that sustain alumni programs, student scholarships, and campus priorities. You will operate in a fast-paced, collaborative environment that mirrors GSPP’s emphasis on turning ideas into actionable results under real-world constraints, while upholding principles of transparency, equity, and long-term societal benefit. The intern will be expected to complete 1–3 strategic deliverables during the internship, focused on philanthropy, grant development, research, and innovation initiatives that support the mission of the Cal Alumni Association and UC Berkeley.

Requirements

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Professional writing and storytelling
• Mission-driven leadership
• Attention to detail and organizational skills

Nice To Haves

• Interest in nonprofit management, fundraising, development, corporate social responsibility, public policy, communications, or alumni relations.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative environment.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, donor research, or development operations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop one major professional deliverable, such as a full grant proposal or Letter of Inquiry (LOI) for a foundation, corporate, or public-sector funding opportunity; or a concept paper and pitch deck for a new alumni engagement, scholarship, equity, or social impact initiative.
• Incorporate stakeholder research, data analysis, measurable outcomes, and evidence-based recommendations aligned with the values of the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP).
• Conduct comprehensive research on foundations, corporate giving programs, government grants, and mission-aligned institutional funders.
• Develop a professional grants pipeline portfolio that includes funder profiles, funding priorities, eligibility analysis, historical giving patterns, strategic alignment with CAA and UC Berkeley initiatives, and recommended cultivation or submission strategies.
• Research and evaluate high-capacity alumni, philanthropic partners, and strategic donor prospects aligned with university advancement priorities.
• Assist in creating donor engagement materials, stewardship concepts, and prospect strategy recommendations that support long-term relationship development.
• Contribute to data-driven fundraising strategies focused on alumni engagement, scholarships, public impact initiatives, and institutional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed