Summer Intern - Donor Relations

GuideStone Financial Resources•Dallas, TX

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

GuideStone is an innovative organization focused on the holistic development of its employees, fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, humility, integrity, compassion, and stewardship. This summer internship is designed to provide a college student or recent graduate with valuable, supervised experience in nonprofit donor relations. The intern will support the Mission:Dignity Donor Relations Team by communicating the organization's story, assisting with donor stewardship and outreach, maintaining donor information, and supporting special projects and events. The program emphasizes learning, professional development, teamwork, and practical exposure to fundraising operations, aligning with the organization's mission to serve those who serve the Lord with integrity and skill.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, or a recent graduate; fields related to nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business, ministry, or a similar area are preferred.
Interest in donor relations, nonprofit fundraising, ministry, or mission-driven service.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with willingness to learn GuideStone systems and donor software.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage respectfully with people from varied backgrounds.
Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team under close supervision.
Dependable attendance and availability for the established summer internship schedule.
Ability to maintain complete confidentiality regarding donor information and GuideStone business matters.
Commitment to quality service, personal integrity, and GuideStone's Christ-centered mission and values.

Nice To Haves

Prior fundraising experience is not required; customer service, administrative, ministry, volunteer, or campus leadership experience is helpful.
Basic familiarity with SBC life, polity, or history is helpful but not required.
Occasional local travel or event support may be required; any travel will be coordinated with the Manager, Donor Relations.
Ability to lift and transport presentation materials or event supplies, with reasonable accommodation as needed.

Responsibilities

Assist with donor stewardship activities, including thank-you calls, emails, letters, and other follow-up communications.
Support entry-level projects related to donor acquisition, retention, and recapture under the direction of the Manager, Donor Relations.
Learn to communicate the story and impact of Mission:Dignity clearly and confidently in conversations and small-group settings.
Conduct basic donor and prospect research and organize findings for staff review.
Participate in coaching, team meetings, and learning opportunities related to nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement.
Assist in representing GuideStone and Mission:Dignity through professional phone, email, and written communication with donors and prospects under supervision.
Help prepare donor correspondence, stewardship materials, presentations, and outreach resources.
Support advocacy and awareness efforts for retired ministers, missionaries, workers, and their widows in financial need.
Assist with donor events, meetings, and Southern Baptist gatherings, including preparation, hospitality, and follow-up.
Contribute to shared team goals through dependable communication, collaboration, and a willingness to learn.
Enter and update donor and prospect information in the donor software database with accuracy and confidentiality.
Assist with organizing records, action items, correspondence, reports, and other donor-related documentation.
Use donor software, analytics, and other resources under guidance to learn about relationship history and giving patterns.
Prepare and assemble materials for donor meetings, events, mailings, and special projects.
Help track project progress and maintain organized digital and physical files.
Represent and serve GuideStone with integrity in furtherance of its mission and values.
Complete other internship projects and duties assigned by the Director of Mission:Dignity or Manager, Donor Relations.