The ASU Foundation is a private nonprofit organization that identifies, encourages and engages private supporters to advance the success of Arizona State University as a New American University.
The foundation works with donors to determine their motivations and aspirations and matches those passions with investment opportunities at ASU. The foundation was awarded the four-star rating for 10 consecutive years by Charity Navigator, one of the nation’s leading independent nonprofit evaluator.
We especially welcome candidates who are eager to apply best practices in fundraising towards cultivating a culture of philanthropy throughout the ASU community.
Student Philanthropy Intern
The Student Philanthropy Internship provides ASU students with hands-on experience in the world of philanthropy and fundraising. They will gain a foundational understanding of philanthropic principles and practices, support development officers and staff in key tasks, and actively participate in various projects and initiatives that advance donor engagement and institutional outreach efforts.
Through a Central Rotation with various teams such as Donor Relations and Engagement, Writing Services and Research and Prospect Management, among others, interns will acquire diverse skills, enabling them to make valuable contributions to ASU Foundation and support impactful fundraising efforts that directly advance institutional goals.
Following the Central Rotation, interns will be embedded within a fundraising unit where they will contribute directly to unit-specific fundraising goals and strategies, applying the skills and knowledge gained from the central rotation.
What you’ll do
Collaborate with cross-functional teams during the Central Rotation to gain exposure to various aspects of philanthropy
Participate in unit-specific fundraising initiatives, contributing to goals and strategies
Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events, including logistics, promotion, and volunteer coordination
Prepare materials for donor meetings, events, and presentations, ensuring professionalism and accuracy
Research prospective donors and funding opportunities to help inform fundraising strategies
Manage and update donor records and databases to ensure accurate and timely information
Shadow development officers and staff during donor meetings, events, and strategy sessions to gain real-world experience
Contribute to the creation of donor communications, including newsletters, impact reports, and social media content
Attend networking events, guest speaker sessions, and other professional development opportunities to expand industry knowledge
Engage with alumni, donors, and other stakeholders to strengthen relationships and support outreach efforts
Attend and participate in the annual ASUF Staff Advance, a gathering that brings together the entire organization to grow and network
Present key findings and experiences to ASU Foundation Senior Leadership at the conclusion of the internship
Perform additional tasks as needed to support unit-specific and foundation-wide goals
What you'll need
Keen interest in pursuing a fundraising or philanthropic related career following graduation
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to craft clear and compelling messages
Excellent organization and prioritization skills, able to balance multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, with a high attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned tasks
Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks and maintain accuracy in data entry, record-keeping, and donor communications
Ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives
Driven self-starter with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Demonstrate a customer service mindset focused on providing a positive experience for donors, alumni, and other stakeholders
Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment
Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible
Strong and collegial interpersonal skills with an ability to engage professionally and confidently with diverse groups, including donors, alumni, and colleagues
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Foundation and University business and confidential prospect information
Ability to represent the institution well and possess an advocate’s belief in the vision of ASU as the New American University
Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database management
Relevant qualifications
A current junior or senior at Arizona State University pursuing a degree with a willingness to learn and ability to work well with others. Student must be willing to sign and abide by a confidentiality agreement.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with matching employer contribution
22 days of vacation time
11 holidays, including your birthday
Parental leave
Significant tuition reductions
Professional development is highly valued at ASU Foundation, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization and nurture new areas of interest
$30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement
About ASU Foundation
The ASU Foundation fosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact. These partnerships empower ASU to advance student access, serve our community, protect the planet, create equity in higher education and conduct research for the public good.
At the ASU Foundation we value
Character
We prioritize character and integrity in every decision and action, establishing trust as the foundation of all that we do.
Service
We are dedicated to serving our students, donors, communities, and colleagues by fostering support and collaboration to ensure that our efforts are impactful.
Innovation
Innovation drives us to create meaningful opportunities and solutions, helping every member of our global community achieve meaningful outcomes.
The ASU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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