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Institutional Advancement Philanthropy Intern - Summer

Institutional Advancement Philanthropy Intern - Summer Position Description and Learning Plan

Position Title: Institutional Advancement Philanthropy Intern - Summer
Department: Institutional Advancement
Supervisor: Chief Advancement Officer 
Position Duration: Summer __________________________________________________________________

The Institutional Advancement Philanthropy Intern will work with the several departments in Institutional Advancement to explore careers in philanthropy. Overall, students will support Institutional Advancement’s comprehensive fundraising and engagement efforts. They will be immersed into a “hands-on” experience, where they will have the opportunity to network with alumni, to help develop College marketing and communications, to take part in fundraising (calling program), stewardship, proposal writing, research, donor profile creations as well as learn how to manage and analyze important institutional information. Additionally, students will have responsibilities such as maintaining records of College constituents, updating data, research, scanning and filing important donor documents, as well as assisting with special projects. The exposure to all aspects of Institutional Advancement will lead to a more complete understanding of Albion College and the nonprofit sector.  


Training
IA staff and/or experienced IA students will provide one-on-one training that will prepare them to independently work. There will also be cohort training when appropriate. 

General Duties:

  • Assist with general office duties including answering phones, preparing office materials, filing and scanning donors materials, etc. 
  • Assist in the planning and execution of impact stories collection so that donors may understand how their gifts made a difference.
  • Write, edit, and assist in the creation of compelling and persuasive material (including proposals) to communicate with donors of all giving levels at all 4 phases - evaluation, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Assist fundraising colleagues in developing solicitation and stewardship plans for annual donors and major donors.
  • Assist in alumni and friends fundraising through our STEPP calling program. 
  • Assist in the execution of effective stewardship of scholarship and non-scholarship endowments donors (including organization and preparation for student thank you letters and faculty/program impact reports).
  • Collaborate with prospect research/data to identify new prospects and donor profiles.
  • Collaborate with Advancement Services to maintain constituent records.
  • Assist in student philanthropy development.
  • Collaborate on alumni events and special projects. 
Job Specific Learning Outcomes
As philanthropy plays an increasingly important role in society, exposure to the day-to-day functions of a higher education philanthropic operation will prove to be a very valuable experience as it will prepare students for a career in philanthropy and/or engage them in philanthropic activities later in life. 
Below are examples of the departments and learning outcomes that student interns may obtain, depending on the length and diversity of the internship experience:
  • Advancement Services (gift processing, and IT/database management and analytics)
  • Alumni/Constituent Engagement (outreach, volunteer coordination, event planning/oversight) with an ultimate goal of providing "meaningful engagement and personalized philanthropy" to Albion College alumni, parents, friends, and students.
  • Fundraising (donor/prospect research, donor relations, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship)
  • Corporation & Foundation Relations (grant research, writing, and management)
  • Communications (print, web, creative content, advertising, proposals, donor profiles)
  • When appropriate, students will be invited to participate in departmental and all IA staff. This opportunity will provide exposure to strategy and operational sessions. Students may be asked to participate and present at these meetings.
  • When applicable and available, the intern will also be invited to attend local professional development organizational meetings/conferences to gain exposure to career/networking opportunities. When students are given these types of opportunities, they will come back and give a short presentation of the key conference topics to staff (i.e. lunch-and-learn)
Students will be able to:
  • Articulate the mission and vision of Albion College and the Donor Relations and Stewardship Department
  • Strategize with campus partners on successful donor communications
  • Analyze and adapt strategies based on results
  • Promote educational and developmental opportunities to alumni and community members
  • Navigate our database, calling (possible) and gift processing software
  • Explain the donor giving cycle including solicitation and stewardship
Career Readiness Competencies and Transferable Skills
Students will be able to demonstrate the following skills through:
  • Strategic planning skills
  • Demonstrate critical thinking/problem solving 
  • Oral/written communications - assisting with writing of communications to alumni, donors, students and donor profiles
  • Teamwork/collaboration with IA staff and faculty
  • Digital technology through our CRM Slate
  • Professionalism/work ethic - maintaining and following a work schedule and demonstrating commitment to work
  • Global/intercultural fluency - working with leaders from various cultural backgrounds
In addition to the work as a learning opportunity, the interns also participate in our weekly Professional Enrichment in Philanthropy Series throughout the summer. Students are invited to presentations by staff which cover a variety of topics including career paths, a discussion of their work, a recap of a conference or webinar, a marketing strategy, a personality test, etc.
General expectations & skills to be successful in this position:
  • Adopt and maintain a professional demeanor at all times
  • Exemplary Interpersonal Communication skills
  • Offer a welcoming, helpful, and attentive attitude at all times

Outcomes for Institutional Advancement:
  • This experience will provide IA staff with the opportunity to communicate and have exposure to Albion College students. These students can be important resources to help to bridge the “gap” between our donors and Albion College.
  • The program allows staff an opportunity to mentor students, possible making our roles at Albion College more meaningful and impactful.
  • The interns will provide much needed assistance in key areas, especially as they develop skills and knowledge to lead projects.
  • The program will enable staff to engage the next generation of philanthropists. These students are our next donors; thus, their experience in Institutional Advancement will teach the interns the importance of giving back through their time, talents, and gifts.  
  • The program allows staff an opportunity to mentor students, possibly making our roles at Albion College more meaningful and impactful.
  • The students are an extension of our work; thus, they will help in building capacity within our team. 

Recommendations on student recruitment:
  • Post on the list for Albion College student job opportunities.
  • Solicit nominations from faculty/staff.
  • Solicit nominations from other students engaged in Institutional Advancement.
  • Hand-pick students who may be interested.
  • Focus on those students who are involved in the Student Alumni Association.


Terms of internship:
  • This internship is a paid position.
  • The students will work up to 40 hours per week during the summer months.
  • There may be evening and weekend commitments.

Essential Job Functions:
  • Attend department and staff meetings when appropriate
  • Strategize to create meaningful long-term relationships between the Institutional Advancement and campus partners.
  • Computer literacy skills including knowledge of the Google Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, scanning, and database entry/management.
  • Graphic design knowledge is a plus. 
  • Assist in planning and participate in alumni and/or donor events and activities (e.g. homecoming, commencement, etc.)
  • Conduct research on potential donors, granting agencies, and strategic partners. 
  • Assist in updating donor files and other development/fundraising materials for advancement staff.
  • Assist with direct fundraising and cultivation activities through phone contact, written correspondence, meaningful engagement activities, etc.
  • Assist with corporate sponsorships, foundation and government grant research, proposal writing and coordination. 
  • Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external use.
  • Assist the advancement operations staff in data entry and data analytics.
  • Assist with mailings, day- to-day activities, and special projects as needed.
  • Engage in Marketing and Communications activities (including website or print content and review. Social media may also be a natural fit.) 
  • Other duties as assigned.

Eligibility and Qualifications 
  • Enrolled as a full-time, on-campus Albion College student for the academic year during which the individual will hold the position.
  • Must be in good social and academic standing verified by the Student Affairs and Registrar’s offices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of Albion College mission: “Albion College is an undergraduate, liberal arts institution committed to academic excellence. We are learning-centered and recognize that valuable learning takes place in and outside the classroom, on and off campus. We prepare students to translate critical thought into action.”
  • Ability to use Microsoft Excel and Word applications as well as the Google Suite.
  • Desire to learn more about creating a culture of philanthropy.
  • Ability to perform multiple and complex demands in a timely manner.
  • Interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
  • Firm ethical standards and personal integrity.
  • Ability to interact with staff, business leaders, students and friends of the College in a positive manner.
  • Strong writing and research abilities.
  • Ability to work independently and self-directed.

Working Conditions:
  • Work is normally performed in a typical office setting and primarily involves computer and telephone work.
  • Frequent interaction with the public.
  • Must demonstrate a professional demeanor and ethical behavior while representing the College.
  • Summer housing will be available (tax implications)

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work
performed by employees but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills
required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for
employment and are subject to changes as the discretion of the employer.
  

Learning Outcomes Assessment:

Application Instructions:
  • To apply, submit your resume using the Handshake system at albion.edu/handshake
  • Questions can be sent to Career and Internship Center, careers@albion.edu.
Please note, once you are offered a position you must first go to the Albion College HR website
http://www.albion.edu/hr/student-employment/forms to print off the necessary forms for employment.
Student employees must complete tax forms (W-4 Withholding Allowance Certificates) and proof of work eligibility (I-9) before beginning work as an Albion College Student Employee.
Completed forms must be delivered in person (bringing the required documentation) to the Human Resources Office which is located in 225 Ferguson. All forms should be completed in ink, not pencil and students should use their permanent address on all forms unless the permanent address is an international address.