Development Intern

Spring 2026 Development Intern

Development Department

Reporting to: Institutional Fundraising Officer

Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Location: New York City [Hybrid]

Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Human Rights seeks a Development Intern to support our Development efforts. This internship will focus heavily on research and will help strengthen one’s research and data management skills.

Development Department:

The work of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is possible thanks to a dynamic, multi-source model of revenue, supported by an endowment, individual giving (largely driven by board and leadership council support), events (such as our annual Ripple of Hope gala and Compass Investor Conference(s), and institutional (grant-based) support. This position will support all aspects of our fundraising efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Development team with researching potential new sources of funding and creating prospect briefs and tracking systems; 
• Aid in updating and maintaining development database with current donor information and latest outreach, as well as producing reports;
• Collaborate with the Institutional Funding Officers and Communications team in developing monthly funder engagement materials and maintaining accurate mailing lists for donor outreach;
• Support the maintenance and improvement of systems for tracking grants, funder engagement, and departmental workflows;
• Assist in drafting and editing funding proposals for RFK Human Rights programs;
• Assist with other tasks and activities as needed, including but not limited to general office work. 
• Liaise with members of each of our programmatic teams (at all levels) as needed;

A successful candidate must have the following skills and experiences:

• Undergraduate or graduate student with prior experience or studies within nonprofit, social justice, or human rights space;
• Strong interest in fundraising, development, grant writing, data management, or nonprofit operations;
• Familiarity with the nonprofit sector and comfort working in a mission-driven environment;
• Awareness and interest in current events and issues relating to human rights around the world;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, including spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel & Google Sheets;
• Proven ability to learn complex organizational work quickly and connect program goals to funding opportunities; genuine curiosity to understand RFK Human Rights’ mission, strategy, and partners in depth;
• Strong initiative and self-motivation - able to identify next steps, conduct follow-up research, and advance projects independently once trained;
• Excellent organizational and systems skills, with experience maintaining or improving databases, pipelines, or internal processes to increase team efficiency;
• Strong research, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt tone and content for funders, partners, and colleagues;
• Exceptional attention to detail and willingness to identify, own, and correct errors;
• Effective time management and ability to balance multiple projects independently and collaboratively;
• Self-starter with the drive to propose and execute content pieces on their own;
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information;
• Collaborative, team-oriented, and eager to contribute to a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Innovative thinking, an unwillingness to accept things as they are, and a strong work ethic are essential;
• Teamwork, ability  to build positive relationships with your colleagues and are willing to help others;
•  Inclusive, ability to work with people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives from your own.

Preferred but not required qualifications:

• Experience working with a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system such as Salesforce.
• Prior grant-writing or fundraising experience is a plus.

No phone calls, please. RFK Human Rights will contact qualified candidates directly. 

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer and believes we are stronger and more effective by working internally and externally with people of all abilities, diverse backgrounds, and a range of perspectives, particularly those who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We do not discriminate in our hiring practices and in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seek a diverse applicant pool. If you're in need of an accommodation at any time during the application and hiring process please contact us by emailing your request to hr@rfkhumanrights.org with the subj. line "Accommodation Request". Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Having documents in alternate formats or read aloud 
• Having interviews in a more accessible location/format