Development Intern (Spring 2025)

Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) seeks a Development Intern to assist the Development Department in its national fundraising efforts. The Development Intern will report to the Director of Foundation Relations and work primarily to support the organization’s grants program and fundraising from foundations. Activities include but are not limited to all areas of foundation relations, such as grants management and cultivation, organizing funder information and research, grant writing, and database management.

Interns have the opportunity to meet and learn from staff across the Development Department and organization, including communications, policy, and legal departments. All interns also have the opportunity to be published on AU’s Wall of Separation blog.

The Development Intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks in support of the department, including but not limited to:

• Assisting with grants management, including tracking, deadlines, and data organization
• Assisting with reporting and proposal preparation
• Conducting foundation research (Google search, Wealth Engine, Foundation Directory Online, and EveryAction, etc.) Assisting with meeting preparation and events as needed
• Maintaining prospect files
• Drafting letters and emails
• Updating AU’s database as needed

The strongest candidates will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the separation of religion and government, be responsible and hard-working on a remote and virtual environment, and be excited to work with diverse staff and supporters, and have some or all of these skills:

• Writing concisely and persuasively
• Meeting deadlines and communicating about progress
• Organized and eager to learn new skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Google Drive

The internship is 15-20 hours/week from January 21 – May 1 (with some flexibility to accommodate the intern’s academic or other scheduling needs). The organization will also consider candidates for the full academic year. The intern will attend weekly all-staff meetings, team meetings, and 1:1 meetings with their supervisor.

Americans United is an equal-opportunity employer and places strong emphasis on a diverse environment in which individuals are valued regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

How to Apply

Submit as attached Word documents or PDFs:

• A resume (one page) outlining your relevant academic, campus, and professional experience
• A cover letter (one page) describing how your experience relates to the Development Internship and explaining why AU’s mission is important to you

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with priority given to applications received by December 11, 2024. Interviews will begin being scheduled December 11, 2024 and hiring decisions made by December 23, 2024. No calls, please.

Benefits

The Development Intern will be paid a stipend of $3,940. Interns receive substantive experience with in-depth exposure to some of the most important issues facing the country. Interns are encouraged and provided time to learn across the organization.

AU can provide documentation for academic credit upon successful conclusion of the internship.

About Us

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit educational and advocacy organization that brings together people of all religions and none to protect the right of everyone to believe as they want — and stop anyone from using their beliefs to harm others. We fight in the courts, legislatures, and the public square for freedom without favor and equality without exception.

We envision a nation where we are all free to believe or not believe as we choose, where our laws don’t allow anyone to use their religious beliefs to harm others, and where we can come together as equals to build a stronger democracy.

AU has a staff of over 40 people and 5-10 interns during the summer. Staff communicate via Outlook email, Zoom meetings, and Slack.