Development Intern

Job Description

Position Title: Development Intern

Reports To: Development and Database Manager

Start Date: April 13, 2026 (Start Date is Flexible)

Status: Paid Internship

About Austin Parks Foundation (APF)

The Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is a highly respected non-profit organization, established in 1992, dedicated to significantly enriching the lives of people throughout Austin. APF achieves this by actively partnering with the community to enhance Austin’s vital public parks, trails, and green spaces. They play a crucial role in bridging the funding and resource gaps left by the city, working tirelessly to develop, maintain, and enhance the area’s extensive network of over 300 parks, trails, and green spaces. Their mission is realized through a multifaceted approach including robust volunteer programs, innovative community programming, strategic advocacy, and essential financial support, all aimed at creating a healthier, more vibrant Austin.

Job Summary: A Comprehensive Opportunity in Non-Profit Fundraising

The Austin Parks Foundation is seeking a highly motivated, versatile, organized, detail-oriented, and technologically proficient Development Intern to become an integral part of their dynamic team. This pivotal role will provide hands-on experience in managing APF’s daily fundraising operations, directly impacting the organization’s ability to support Austin’s green spaces. The intern will be crucial in facilitating the efficient use of cutting-edge systems and data, ensuring APF can effectively identify, solicit, steward, and thank its invaluable donors. Key responsibilities span a wide range of essential functions, including meticulous gift processing and acknowledgment, robust database management, insightful reporting and data manipulation, direct fundraising support, and proactive process improvement initiatives. Beyond these core tasks, the intern will also handle important administrative duties such as managing mailings and communications.

This internship offers a unique opportunity for individuals to gain invaluable, practical experience across non-profit fundraising operations, sophisticated data management, and impactful event planning. Interns will work closely with a collaborative and mission-driven team, deeply committed to APF’s cause, fostering an environment of learning and professional growth.

Required Skills/Competencies: Essential Attributes for Success

As a key support role within the Development team, this intern position requires a unique blend of skills and attributes:

• Exceptional Organization: The ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain meticulous records is paramount, ensuring smooth fundraising operations.
• Willingness to Learn Technical Systems: A proactive and eager attitude towards mastering new software, particularly Little Green Light (APF’s donor database/CRM), is essential for effective data management and process improvement.
• Solid Customer Service Skills (Internal and External): Providing excellent service to both internal team members (accounting, marketing) and external constituents (donors, partners) is crucial for fostering strong relationships and efficient collaboration.
• Professionalism in All Communications: Maintaining a high standard of professionalism across all verbal, written, and interpersonal interactions is indispensable when representing APF and engaging with donors and stakeholders.

Essential Functions: Day-to-Day Impact and Responsibilities

The Development Intern will be instrumental in executing a variety of critical tasks that directly contribute to APF’s fundraising success and donor engagement:

• Donor Record Management: Proactively update and maintain donor records within Little Green Light, APF’s sophisticated donor database/CRM, ensuring data integrity and accuracy for effective communication and segmentation.
• Development Inbox Oversight: Monitor and manage the development inbox with support from the Development Team, ensuring timely and professional responses to inquiries and communications from donors and partners.
• Stewardship Initiative Fulfillment: Play a vital role in executing weekly and seasonal donor stewardship initiatives, which include, but are not limited to, preparing and distributing welcome packages for Groundbreakers, monthly packages for Perennial Partners, heartfelt holiday cards, and personalized donor thank you notes and phone calls. This function is critical for donor retention and appreciation.
• Prompt Donor Acknowledgement: Prepare and dispatch prompt, personal acknowledgement letters and donor correspondence, ensuring that every gift is recognized swiftly and with genuine gratitude, strengthening donor relationships.
• Credit Card Payment Tracking: Systematically track expired credit card payments within the database and proactively follow up with donors to update their card numbers, helping to sustain recurring donations.
• Exceptional Donor Customer Service: Provide outstanding customer service to donors, efficiently fulfilling requests for tax receipts and giving histories, thereby building trust and transparency.
• Annual Fundraiser Support (Party for the Parks): Actively support the Development team in the meticulous planning and seamless execution of APF’s annual signature fundraiser, “Party for the Parks.” This involves assisting in managing event registration, coordinating sponsor ticketing, and making crucial in-kind donation asks.
• Donor Prospect Identification and Research: Contribute to APF’s growth strategy by supporting the Development team in identifying and thoroughly researching individual and corporate donor prospects, building a robust fundraising pipeline.
• Corporate Volunteering Project Support: Provide essential support for Corporate Volunteering projects as needed, demonstrating cross-team collaboration and expanding APF’s community engagement efforts.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to take on additional tasks as needed to support the overall objectives of the Development team and APF’s mission.

Requirements And Qualifications: Who We’re Looking For

• Current Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in an accredited community college, college/university, and actively pursuing an associate degree or higher.
• Organizational Acumen: Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail are non-negotiable for managing complex donor data and multiple projects simultaneously.
• Communication Proficiency: Possess solid verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, enabling clear and effective interactions with diverse stakeholders.
• Trustworthy and Dependable: Demonstrated trustworthiness and dependability are crucial for handling sensitive donor information and commitments.
• Self-Motivated Drive: Exhibit self-motivation and an internal drive to consistently produce high-quality work, taking initiative and ownership of tasks.
• Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment: The ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment is essential for success.
• Decision-Making & Customer Service: Strong decision-making abilities coupled with excellent customer service skills are required for thoughtful donor engagement and problem-solving.

Preferred Qualifications: Added Strengths

• Professional Work Experience: At least one year of prior work experience in a professional, volunteer, or customer service setting, demonstrating exposure to real-world work environments.
• CRM/Database Experience: Prior experience with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software or other relational databases will be a significant advantage, particularly with Little Green Light or similar systems.

Physical Demand and Work Environment: Understanding Your Workspace

• Minimal Physical Demands: Physical demands are minimal and typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations; however, the intern may occasionally be required to move materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Hybrid Work Model: This role operates on a hybrid remote and in-office work schedule, offering flexibility while fostering team collaboration.
• Flexible Hours: The position will require working some evenings and weekends, particularly in support of events like Party for the Parks.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Equal Opportunities Commitment

At Austin Parks Foundation, we firmly value collaboration, innovation, dependability, and inclusiveness. We wholeheartedly embrace diversity and equal opportunity, and we are deeply committed to building a team that authentically represents a rich variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. All qualified applicants shall receive thorough consideration for employment without any regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, veteran status, or sexual orientation. APF is an organization where everyone can thrive.

Compensation Transparency

This is a paid internship compensated at $17.00 per hour, paid semi-monthly. The internship requires a commitment of 15-20 hours per week.

Duration: April 2026 – December 2026.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and a compelling cover letter to austinparks.applytojob.com.

No phone calls, please.

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