Development Intern (Spring 2026)

Working alongside members of the Development Team, the intern will join an outstanding group of professionals dedicated to our mission: to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education, and advocacy. 

The intern will assist the American Lung Association Development staff to execute fundraising, donor stewardship, and event planning activities to gain experience in the field of communications, PR, and non-profit management.

This is an unpaid internship position requiring a minimum time commitment of 8 hours per week (flexible schedule) and must be eligible for course credit. This position will be for the spring semester, January 5, 2026 through May 29, 2026.

PROJECTS  

This is a great opportunity for the intern to enhance their skills in event planning, organization, multitasking, and communications. The intern can expect to gain a basic understanding of the American Lung Association, as well as develop confidence and marketable skills by engaging in or assisting with many of the following activities: 

• Become knowledgeable of ALA mission, development, and communications efforts
• Gain technical training by utilizing Convio, One Cause, Donor Drive, and Microsoft applications
• Participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities
• Assist with event support to gain exposure to specific event terminology, understanding of planning and execution of large-scale events, and recruitment/stewardship of event participants for:
  • Lip Sync for Lungs (February 2026)
  • Charleston Oxygen Ball (May 2026)
  • Backpacks for Bright Futures (August 2026)

LEARNING OUTCOMES:  

• Learn more about nonprofit structure, including mission, development, and communications efforts
• Learn about team building and collaborating with staff
• Learn how to develop communications for email fundraising campaigns, press releases and event promotion/marketing
• Learn to cultivate relationships
• Learn how to communicate in a professional business setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Must be working towards a bachelor's degree in Non-Profit Management, Marketing, Communications, Public Health, Public Relations, Hospitality, or related field
• Must be eligible to receive college credit for internship
• Qualified candidates must be enthusiastic, reliable, and interested in developing a career in nonprofit management, communications, public relations, or similar field
• Qualified candidates should possess strong writing skills, attention to detail, and have a keen interest in the mission of the American Lung Association
• Ability to multitask, perform in a team environment, and a demonstrated willingness to learn
• Ability to work independently
• Computer Proficiency – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher
• Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. (supplies)
• Consistent with its mission, the American Lung Association maintains a smoke-free workplace; all interns and volunteers must abstain from tobacco use in any form, including vaping.

Required Documentation:  Before an unpaid internship begins, documentation from an accredited college or university will be required stating that this internship opportunity is eligible for course credit or fulfills an internship graduation requirement.  

Questions? For more details about this role please reach out to alahr@lung.org 

The American Lung Association is dedicated to a diverse workforce.  

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V