What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fundraising Intern position at Iowa State University Foundation Careers?
The Iowa State University Foundation offers an internship program in institutional development/fundraising that is designed to provide hands-on experience in the fundraising/fund development field. As a participant in this program, the intern will work with a team of talented, creative professionals who understand the highly competitive fundraising environment.
The Robert and Jean Watson Advancement Internship program offers an unparalleled opportunity to enhance fundraising knowledge and expertise, giving this individual a head start on a challenging and rewarding career in institutional or non-profit development/fundraising.
The internship is funded through an endowment which honors Robert and Jean Watson. Robert retired from the ISU Foundation as associate vice president of development and had a passion for developing new talent to the field of higher education fundraising.
Primary Projects:
The Fundraising intern will engage and participate in the ISU Foundation’s development officer onboarding and training curriculum. Once completed, the intern will be given a portfolio of prospective donors to engage with. Experience and results will be tracked and monitored with the intern receiving ongoing supervision, guidance, and feedback to achieve desired outcomes. During donor work, the intern will work closely with foundation staff members to refine and improve the existing training and onboarding curriculum.
There is also potential, time and availability permitting, for providing further assistance in designing internal and external processes and practices for use in development officer training, collaboration with the university, and other projects.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or appropriate related years of experience. Degree preferred.
- Ability to achieve ambitious goals. You should have a remarkable track record for leading successful initiatives with measurable results.
- Savvy relationship-building and leadership skills and be an excellent communicator. You should be articulate and persuasive with diplomacy and tact to represent the foundation to multiple constituents, donors, and campus leadership. You must also have demonstrated skills in persuasive speaking and influencing others.
- Problem-solving skills and resourcefulness. You can champion donor-centeredness by understanding the desires of the donors and creating simple solutions.
- Strong team orientation, a dedicated work ethic, and a positive and professional attitude.
- Ability to multi-task and manage multiple initiatives.
- Ability to use a variety of software applications.
- Must adhere to strict confidentiality standards.
- Creativity, patience, a sense of humor and a belief in our organizational mission of: Aligning donor passion and generosity to advance Iowa State University’s land grant ideals
The internship is anticipated to start in late spring or early summer 2026 and continue through the end of summer or fall 2026. The internship will be 20-30 hours per week (flexible schedule) at $15-$17 per hour; no benefits are offered.
Travel: None
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Location: Ames, IA
For additional information, visit the following pages:
- Iowa State University Foundation
- Iowa State University
Salary : $15 - $17