Development & Special Events Intern

Start Date: Anticipated November 15, 2025
End Date: July 1, 2026 (with potential for extension)
Stipend: $200/month + college credit available (we will work with your school’s internship program, if applicable)
Hours: 10–15 hours per week (hybrid: mix of in-person and remote)

***Opportunity for permanent position upon successful completion of internship.***

About Arts Ignite

Arts Ignite (formerly ASTEP) is a New York City–based nonprofit arts education organization that develops the agency of young people through the arts. Guided by our values of Creative Capacity, Community, and Courage, we partner with schools, community centers, and organizations locally and internationally to ensure that all young people — especially those from historically marginalized communities — have access to arts-rich learning experiences.

Through theater, dance, music, visual arts, and creative writing, Arts Ignite programs spark creativity, build confidence, and help young people discover the power of their own voices. In 2026, we will celebrate our 20th Anniversary, marking two decades of igniting change through the arts.

Position Summary

The Development Intern will support the Development & Communications team in fundraising, communications, and event planning. This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in nonprofit development, offering opportunities to build skills in research, writing, donor relations, and digital communications. The intern will work closely with staff and receive training in key tools and systems while contributing to projects that directly support the organization’s mission.

Responsibilities

The Development Intern will report to the Executive Director and assist the Development & Communications team with day-to-day tasks, and gain experience in:

• Researching funding opportunities and examples of successful fundraising campaigns
• Support the team by organizing and sharing research with staff
• Drafting, proofreading, and editing fundraising and communications materials
• Assist in preparing social media content and simple graphics
• Entering and updating donor data in Salesforce and assisting with related reports
• Provide logistical support for fundraising events, including materials prep, day-of support, and follow-up tasks
• Helping manage invitations, RSVP tracking, and related communications using tools like Mailchimp, Canva, or Eventbrite
• Drafting, preparing, and sending acknowledgment letters and thank-you notes
• Taking notes and providing general support during development and staff meetings

Qualifications

• Strong writing, organizational, and research skills
• Interest in nonprofit management, fundraising, or arts education
• Familiarity with Canva, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, or Salesforce is a plus (but not required — training provided)
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and eager to learn
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a hybrid environment
• Current student or recent graduate in fields such as Arts Administration, Nonprofit Management, Marketing/Communications, or related encouraged but not required

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, the intern will:

• Gain experience stewarding institutional and individual relationships within a nonprofit fundraising department
• Build skills in writing for donor communications and social media.
• Develop familiarity with fundraising tools such as Salesforce, Mailchimp, Canva, and Eventbrite.
• Understand event logistics and donor engagement strategies.
• Strengthen professional collaboration and project management skills.

Benefits & Perks

• Flexible, hybrid work schedule
• Fun, creative, and arts-focused team culture
• Opportunities to engage with international artists and teaching artists
• Free tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows (as available)
• Access to Arts Ignite special events, including our annual Christmas concert and other performances
• Hands-on experience supporting nonprofit fundraising, communications, and events during a milestone 20th Anniversary year

***Opportunity for permanent position upon successful completion of internship.***

How to Apply

Please apply via Handshake or send a resume and short cover letter describing your interest in the internship to lindsay@artsignite.org with the subject line: Development Intern Application – [Your Name]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.