Development Internship (Spring 2026)

About Americans United

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan educational and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the constitutional principle of church-state separation as the only way to ensure freedom of religion, including the right to believe or not believe, for all of us. Founded in 1947, Americans United is a diverse and dynamic organization composed of people from all walks of life: lawyers and lobbyists, students and activists, religious leaders and impassioned Americans. AU includes people of faith and people who don’t profess any particular faith. It is a community that welcomes people of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and abilities. Because we work on a wide variety of issues with many different communities, we value what diversity and diverse perspectives bring to our work.

Position Summary

Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) seeks a Development Intern to assist the Development Department in its national fundraising efforts. The Development Intern will report to the Sr. Manager of Prospect Research and work primarily to support the organization’s development department.

Interns have the opportunity to meet and learn from staff across the Development Department and organization, including communications, policy, and legal departments. All interns also have the opportunity to be published on AU’s Wall of Separation blog.

The Development Intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks in support of the department, including but not limited to:

• Updating AU’s database as needed
• Ensure contact information and other critical donor data is entered in donor’s database record in a timely manner and adheres to consistent formatting and entry standards
• Review responses to “month in review", facilitate follow-up as needed
• Assist with screening new donors and other sources
• Oversee Call Time process: send reminders, create bios for GO’s and/or repeat donors.
• Prepare brief event bios, if needed
• Once established, assist with prospect research metrics measuring the scope efficiency, and impact of prospect research efforts.
• Assisting with grants management, including tracking, deadlines, and data organization
• Assisting with reporting and proposal preparation
• Conducting foundation research (Google search, Wealth Engine, Foundation Directory Online, and EveryAction, etc.)
• Assisting with meeting preparation and events as needed
• Drafting letters and emails
• Assisting other department tasks as needed

The strongest candidates will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the separation of religion and government, be responsible and hard-working on a remote and virtual environment, and be excited to work with diverse staff and supporters, and have some or all of these skills:

• Writing concisely and persuasively
• Meeting deadlines and communicating about progress
• Organized and eager to learn new skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Google Drive

Americans United is an equal-opportunity employer and places strong emphasis on a diverse environment in which individuals are valued regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

Time Commitment

The internship is 25 hours/week from January 12, 2026 - April 30, 2026 (with some flexibility to accommodate the intern’s academic or other scheduling needs). The organization will also consider candidates for the remaining academic year. Interns will attend weekly all-staff meetings, team meetings and 1:1 meetings with their supervisor.

How to Apply

Submit as attached Word documents or PDFs:

• A resume (one page) outlining your relevant academic, campus, and professional experience
• A cover letter (one page) describing how your experience relates to the Development Internship and explaining why AU’s mission is important to you

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with priority given to applications received by December 1, 2025. Interviews will begin being scheduled December 8, 2025, and hiring decisions made by December 19, 2025. No calls, please.

Benefits

The Development Intern will be paid a stipend of $7,180. Interns receive substantive experience with in-depth exposure to some of the most important issues facing the country. Interns are encouraged and provided time to learn across the organization.

AU can provide documentation for academic credit upon successful conclusion of the internship.