KIP Spring 2027 - Development Intern - Illinois Policy Institute
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The Koch Internship Program (KIP) is a paid experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers professional development, leadership training, and meaningful work experience at non-profits tackling some of our nation's most pressing policy challenges all over the United States. Early-career professionals including undergraduate/graduate/law students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Eligible candidates will be geographically located in and authorized to work in the United States through the duration of the program. Successful candidates will interview with both our non-profit partner organizations and Stand Together Fellowships staff, so we strongly encourage you to begin the admissions process early!
The Illinois Policy Institute is seeking highly motivated, mission-aligned development intern to support our growing fundraising and external relations efforts. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to learn how a leading state-based think tank engages donors, advances its mission, and grows a world-class development program.
About the Role
The development intern will work closely with our development and external relations team to support donor research, event preparation, gift processing, stewardship, and strategic outreach. This role is ideal for students interested in public policy, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, communications, or relationship-driven work.
The development intern will work closely with our development and external relations team to support donor research, event preparation, gift processing, stewardship, and strategic outreach. This role is ideal for students interested in public policy, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, communications, or relationship-driven work.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct donor and prospect research to support gift officer strategy
- Assist with preparation of donor meetings, briefing materials, and follow-up communications
- Support data entry, gift acknowledgment, and CRM maintenance
- Help coordinate fundraising events, roundtables, and donor briefings
- Draft and edit donor-facing materials, including impact updates and organizational reports
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to development strategy projects
- Provide general support to the External Relations team as needed
Qualifications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects
- Professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to high-quality work
- Interest in public policy, nonprofit development, communications, or business
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with Salesforce is a plus
- Self-starter mindset and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced environment
What You Will Gain
- Practical experience in nonprofit fundraising and donor relations
- Exposure to strategic planning, philanthropy, and policy advocacy
- Mentorship from seasoned development professionals
- A strong portfolio of writing, research, and project work
- The opportunity to meaningfully support an organization shaping policy and expanding freedom in Illinois
Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Skills
As published by lever · 6 questions
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Portfolio URL
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- I certify that I am at least 18 years of age or older. I have disclosed all information relevant and applicable to my admission application. I certify that all information I have given is true, complete, and correct in all respects, including but not limited to my contact information, resume, and other application materials. I agree that any false statement made by me, or my failure to completely answer any applicable questions, may result in release from, or refusal of, admission. I authorize my former employers and any other persons or organizations to provide any accurate information they have regarding my background, and I release all concerned from any liability in connection therewith. I understand that, as a condition of my participation in the program, I will be required to provide a valid U.S.-issued Social Security Number (SSN). My SSN will be used solely for program administration purposes, including maintaining my participation record in the human resources information system. My SSN will be stored securely and will not be used for any purpose other than program administration and payroll/tax reporting, if applicable. I understand that an admissions application is automatically considered for all Stand Together Fellowships educational programs and remains active for one year. By signing and submitting this admissions application, I certify that I am genuinely interested in applying for the educational programs and am submitting this application for no other purpose. I acknowledge that I have read this admissions application carefully and understand its content. I understand that participation in the program is contingent upon placement at a participating partner organization. By submitting this application, I understand that the information I provide may be used in accordance with Stand Together Fellowships' terms of use and privacy statement. This means my information may be used and shared with third parties to contact me about educational, charitable, and related opportunities that may be of interest to me. I understand that indicating "I Agree" is equivalent to providing my signature. optional
- Koch Internship Program (KIP) participants attend programming hosted online by Stand Together Fellowships on Thursdays from 1-4 pm ET, attend an on-site summit in Arlington, VA, and work with one of Stand Together Fellowships’ non-profit partner organizations (national think tanks or state policy organizations). Are you available to attend all online and on-site KIP programming and work with a partner organization either part time or full time for the duration of the program as required for participation? optional
- Would you like to participate in the Koch Internship Program (KIP) part time or full time? Part-time participants will dedicate approximately 24 hours per week to working with the partner organization while full-time participants will dedicate approximately 32 hours per week to working with the partner organization. Both part-time and full-time participants must attend all KIP programming. optional
- Will you be geographically located within the United States through the duration of the program? optional
- Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? optional
- Do you now, or will you in the future, require immigration sponsorship for work authorization (e.g., H-1B)? optional