Job Description

Development Intern (Spring 2026)

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 250 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Innocence Project is seeking an intern to support the Development team. The Development Intern will report to the Development Assistant and will work with other members of the Development team. The intern can expect to gain direct exposure to various areas of fundraising, such as digital, institutional, and individual giving. This position offers a unique opportunity to work across different sectors of a fundraising department, allowing the intern to witness and contribute to all parts of the fundraising process, from creating messaging for donors to processing their donations.

This position will be a 15-week paid internship with a minimum requirement of 16 hours per week beginning in February 2026. The timeframe and schedule are flexible. The internship will be hybrid with at least one day per week in the office.

All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect, and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experiences of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer.

Requirements

INTERNSHIP DUTIES:

• Grow your understanding of fundraising principles and tactics, including fundraising strategies and donor cultivation technique through project-based work. 
• Assist in digital fundraising campaigns, including email appeals and initiatives, to enhance donor engagement and drive online giving.
• Support the cultivation of relationships with individual donors through personalized communication efforts aimed at deepening donor engagement and support, as well as reviewing and processing donor profiles.
• Gain exposure to backend processes such as gift processing and donor database management, assisting in maintaining accurate records and assisting in data clean up. 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: 

• Prior experience or coursework in fundraising, nonprofit management, communications, or related fields is preferred but not required.
• Experience in upholding ethical standards and confidentiality in handling donor information and organizational processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with donor management software is preferred (e.g., Salesforce), but not required.
• An interest in fundraising paired with a passion for crafting compelling narratives. 

KEY COMPETENCIES: 

• Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and adhere to timelines.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to navigate evolving priorities and tasks within the internship role, willingness to learn and grow professionally.
• Strong sense of personal responsibility and accountability for delivering high-quality work

Benefits

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

To apply, please visit Our Careers Page. Upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email.

*We will be accepting applications through the end of day Monday, December 15th, 5pm EST

SALARY RANGE

$19.00 per hour for undergraduate students - $21.00 per hour for students in a post-graduate program

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