Donor Relations

The Donor Relations Intern makes sure donors are thanked accurately, promptly, and specifically, and that everything promised to them is delivered. This is the operational backbone of the department, and the role where an intern learns that retention is a process, not a sentiment.

Core Duties

• Process gift acknowledgments and tax receipts accurately and within the stated turnaround.
• Maintain donor records, contact information, and giving histories in the database.
• Track and fulfill donor benefits, recognition listings, and membership entitlements.
• Respond to donor inquiries by phone and email courteously and accurately.
• Reconcile gift records against financial reports and flag discrepancies.
• Produce recurring giving reports and donor lists for staff use.
• Support donor events, recognition activities, and mailings.
• Maintain accurate recognition name listings for programs, signage, and publications.

Role-Specific Qualifications

• High accuracy in data entry and records reconciliation.
• Customer service capability for direct donor contact.
• Discretion with financial and personal information.
• Comfort with repetitive process work performed correctly every time.

Standard Qualifications — All Internships

• Current enrollment in an accredited college or university; eligible for the Federal Work Study Program where applicable.
• Senior in high school, recent high school graduate, or GED equivalent.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and general computer literacy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable, punctual, and professional demeanor.
• Discretion with confidential and pre-release information; adherence to all organizational policies, including confidentiality, data handling, and workplace safety standards.
• Prior office or customer service experience is a plus but not required.

Internship: minimum 16 hours per week, in person, Alexandria, VA. You are allowed to work up to 40 hours a week with limited overtime opportunities.

Every intern completes the program's five core competencies and attends the annual conference. Expect a written midpoint review, weekly one-on-one supervision, and a documented portfolio of completed work.