Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management Intern

Organization Background 

The Bald Head Island Conservancy (BHIC), founded in 1983, is a nonprofit organization with a mission to discover, learn, conserve, and preserve the natural environments of barrier islands. Located on Bald Head Island, NC, BHIC is recognized for its nationally acclaimed Sea Turtle Protection Program, as well as its engaging environmental education programs and conservation research. At its core, BHIC works to inspire people to live in harmony with nature.

Description

BHIC is seeking Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management Interns to join our team this summer! This internship is designed for motivated students who are interested in pursuing careers in nonprofit management, philanthropy, communications, or business operations. Interns will play a meaningful role in advancing the Conservancy’s fundraising and stakeholder engagement efforts while gaining real-world experience in areas such as donor relations, retail strategy, budgeting and forecasting, communications, and project management.

Interns will develop practical skills in stakeholder engagement and relationship management—all within the context of a mission-driven nonprofit. The position includes the unique opportunity to live and work on a barrier island only accessible by ferry, with the primary form of transportation being golf carts.

Key Learning & Contribution Areas

• Support donor and member communications by drafting, editing, and distributing acknowledgments, newsletters, social media posts, and promotional materials.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of summer fundraising and community events, assisting with logistics, setup, guest engagement, and post-event follow-up.
• Assist with donor database management through accurate data entry, record keeping, and basic reporting in eTapestry.
• Provide excellent customer service at the Conservancy’s information desk, Turtle Central gift shop, and across the island. 
• Learn about the Conservancy’s programs and research to serve as an effective spokesperson and ambassador for BHIC’s mission.
• Design and complete an independent project, aligned with the intern’s skills and interests, to be presented at the conclusion of the internship.
• Collaborate across departments to support administrative and program needs as assigned.
• Uphold professionalism and stewardship in daily work and interactions, both on and off the island.

Qualifications/Attributes

• Rising junior, senior, or recent graduate from an accredited college or university in nonprofit management, communications, business, environmental studies, or related field
• Interest in pursuing a career in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, communications, or related fields
• Eagerness to learn about nonprofit fundraising and philanthropy in practice
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable working with diverse audiences
• Self-directed and team-oriented, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Flexibility and adaptability to work across departments and shifting priorities
• Proficiency in Google Suite; experience with Canva, social media platforms, or databases a plus
• Ability to work in physically challenging environments, including extreme heat and long days outdoors when needed
• Must be authorized to work in the US, possess a valid driver’s license, be able to lift 40 lbs, and pass a background check

Details

The internship will run from May 11, 2026 – August 14, 2026, with an anticipated start date of May 11, 2026. BHIC’s office is open from 8:30 am – 5 pm daily. This position will primarily work during these hours, with occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays required to support events and donor activities. The average workweek is 50 hours, with 1 day off per week. 

Compensation

Interns will receive a stipend of $600 per month (pre-tax). Also provided are shared living quarters in the BHIC dorm, utilities including wireless internet, parking for a vehicle at the Deep Point Marina, and a weekly ferry ticket for trips between the island and the mainland.

How to Apply

Email a cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references as 1 PDF to Kaitlin O’Toole at kaitlin@bhic.org. In the email header, please write “Philanthropy Intern.”  Direct questions to Kaitlin O’Toole, Philanthropy Specialist, at kaitlin@bhic.org.