Development Internship (Summer 2025)

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 Senior Director of Development and work with the development team to support the organization’s ongoing fundraising efforts. Activities include but are not limited to all areas of Development management, such as donor stewardship, major gift donor and foundation research, and development operations.

Interns have the opportunity to meet and learn from staff across the organization, including communications, policy, and legal departments. The Development Intern will connect with and learn alongside a cohort of summer interns working in various departments at AU. 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:

• Maintaining prospect and donor files
• Uploading donor briefings and bios to EA record, Sharepoint
• Conducting donor research (Google search, Wealth Engine, Foundation Directory Online, and EveryAction, etc.)
• Assisting in identifying donor prospects
• Offering support for donor events
• Drafting letters and emails
• Updating AU’s database as needed
• 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,Familiar with or can be easily trained on EA, Sharepoint

The internship is 25 hours/week from May 31 – August 6 (with some flexibility to accommodate the intern’s academic or other scheduling needs). The intern will attend weekly all-staff meetings, team meetings, 1:1 meetings with their supervisor, and workshops for the summer intern cohort.

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.

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 May 18, 2025. Interviews will begin being scheduled May 19, 2025, and hiring decisions made by May 30, 2025. No calls, please.

Benefits

The Development Intern will be paid a stipend of $4,375. 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.

About Us

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit educational and advocacy organization that brings together people of all religions and none to protect the right of everyone to believe as they want — and stop anyone from using their beliefs to harm others. We fight in the courts, legislatures, and the public square for freedom without favor and equality without exception.

We envision a nation where we are all free to believe or not believe as we choose, where our laws don’t allow anyone to use their religious beliefs to harm others, and where we can come together as equals to build a stronger democracy.

AU has a staff of nearly 50 people and 5-10 interns during the summer. Staff communicate via Outlook email, Zoom meetings, Slack, and ClickUp!.