What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Intern - Fall 2026 position at Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra?
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) was founded over 125 years ago, performing its first concert at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Music Hall in 1896. Today, the PSO is one of the finest, most acclaimed orchestras in the world, having toured and recorded extensively throughout its history and boasts multiple GRAMMY nominations and wins. It also owns and operates Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, a historic movie theater which in 1971 became home to the PSO and formed the cornerstone of what is now the Pittsburgh Cultural District. In 2008-2009, Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck became the PSO’s ninth music director following in the luminous footsteps of Victor Herbert, Fritz Reiner, William Steinberg, André Previn, and Lorin Maazel, among others. In addition to presenting more than 100 performances each year at Heinz Hall, both with and without the Orchestra, PSO boasts award-winning Learning & Engagement programs that reach more than 30,000 youth and adults each year in and around the Western Pennsylvania region.
JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE
The Development Intern supports the PSO’s Development Department in fundraising activities, donor relations, and administrative functions that sustain the orchestra's artistic mission through general fundraising. This position offers hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising within the performing arts sector and provides exposure to all aspects of institutional advancement.
Reports to: Manager of Individual Support
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key project areas include donor stewardship and database management. Additional responsibilities include:
By the end of this internship, the intern will have gained:
The ideal candidate must possess the ability to work independently in both remote and office environments, as well as function as part of a collaborative fundraising team. Other requirements include:
JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE
The Development Intern supports the PSO’s Development Department in fundraising activities, donor relations, and administrative functions that sustain the orchestra's artistic mission through general fundraising. This position offers hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising within the performing arts sector and provides exposure to all aspects of institutional advancement.
Reports to: Manager of Individual Support
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key project areas include donor stewardship and database management. Additional responsibilities include:
- Support the Individuals fundraising team with Tessitura database management and donor stewardship/communication.
- Assist department Managers and Directors with various projects as needed.
- Maintain and update donor account records in Tessitura.
- Provide onsite event support for donor benefit events.
- Assist in donor and prospect research projects.
- Support VIP experiences for major donors as needed.
- Other duties/projects as assigned.
By the end of this internship, the intern will have gained:
- Understanding of nonprofit fundraising principles and best practices.
- Experience with donor cultivation and stewardship strategies.
- Skills in database management and donor research through iWave and Tessitura.
The ideal candidate must possess the ability to work independently in both remote and office environments, as well as function as part of a collaborative fundraising team. Other requirements include:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, preferably in nonprofit management, arts administration, communications, or related field;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); Knowledge of databases preferred but not required;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information;
- Professional demeanor and ability to interact effectively with Symphony patrons.
This is an unpaid internship. The intern may qualify for school credit or pay through Federal Community Service Work Study. This internship will average up to 20 hours per week depending on student's schedule.