2026 Summer Development Intern

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is the largest nonprofit performing arts organization in the state of Indiana. As an intern, you often have the opportunity to work with patrons, donors, board members, as well as executives and other influential employees of some of the largest companies in Indiana. This position should be viewed as an opportunity to gain professional experience in a fast-paced work environment that values quality work and commitment and is willing to invest resources in your learning experience. This is an ideal opportunity for nonprofit, business, or arts administration majors looking for a career in the arts with a focus on Development. ISO internships are paid with parking and certain travel reimbursed. Complimentary or discounted tickets available for most performances. 

Professional Development (15%)  

Meet a member of the Board of Directors for either coffee, lunch, or dinner, with the VP of Development  

Attend a one-on-one meeting with the VP for Development 

Attend a one-on-one donor meeting with the VP of Development, Senior Director of Individual Giving, and/or an Associate Director of Individual Giving 

Attend a one-on-one sponsor meeting with the Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving and the Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving to experience a cultivation meeting or a formal ask for support  

Attend a one-on-one meeting with the Grants Manager. 

Attend a local, nonprofit professional networking luncheon or evening event with a development staff member  

Attend a Forte Executive Committee meeting. 

Complimentary or discounted tickets available for most ISO performances  

Attend All Staff meetings, Team meetings, Individual Giving Team meetings, Corporate and Foundation Team meetings, and other meetings as needed. 

Individual Giving (35%)  

Writing thank you cards to donors and creating other stewardship items alongside the team  

Write the content for emails to be used to encourage giving in the summer  

Work alongside the Donor Stewardship and Development Events Manager at select Kroger SOTP concerts for donor entertaining events 

Research orchestras that are similar to Indianapolis and their annual giving programs  

Ask those orchestras to mail us their annual fund packets (if they have any)  

Provide a written summary to the development team by July 2026 (one-page document)  

Research impact reports from different non-profits that you find powerful and show value of the organization to the community  

Provide written summary to development team by June 2026 

Research other orchestras and share examples of their impact reports  

Ask those orchestras if they can share their examples with us (either through mail or electronic)  

Corporate and Foundation Giving (35%)  

Research foundation prospects for ISO concerts and community learning programs  

Determine foundation priorities and if those match with ISO priorities  

Outline grant cycles and deadlines  

Research corporate prospects to sponsor ISO events and concert series  

Determine corporate priorities and if those match with ISO priorities  

Fulfill sponsorship benefits in collaboration with the Corporate Stewardship Manager (i.e. tickets, parking passes, marketing benefits) 

Assist in gathering information for sponsorship recap reports 

Work with the Corporate and Foundation team to write a grant and/or develop a sponsorship proposal to a local funder  

Work with the Corporate and Foundation team on sponsor activation at Symphony on the Prairie  

Ensure sponsor benefits are being met for Symphony on the Prairie concerts  

Assist with the setup of sponsor booths, tables, Sunset Lounge, etc. at select Symphony on the Prairie concerts  

Administrative (15%)  

Updating Candid (formerly GuideStar) and Charity Navigator for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra  

General mailings or stuffing packets  

Help mail thank you cards, mail donor thank you letters, general business packets, etc.   

Tessitura  

Confidentially updating donor records in Tessitura and scanning in supporting documentation for gifts as needed  

Update addresses for donor records  

Expectations and Qualifications  

Undergrad: must be junior or senior.   

Degree related to arts, arts administration, development, nonprofit management, or philanthropy preferred, but not limited to  

In the office a minimum of 3-4 days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and select weekend evenings at Conner Prairie for Symphony on the Prairie 

Must have reliable transportation to travel to the Hilbert Circle Theatre and Conner Prairie  

Desire to make an impact at Indiana’s largest arts organization  

Customer service-oriented  

Must maintain confidentiality in all assigned duties and responsibilities  

Ability to work independently, detail-oriented, excellent written and verbal skills  

OUR MISSION 

The ISO inspires and unites our community through our music. 

OUR VISION 

The ISO sets new standards as a dynamic leader in the arts, serving our community by creating innovative, engaging, and accessible musical and educational experiences. 

OUR VALUES 

Inspiration: We strive to offer inspiring musical and educational experiences for everyone. 

Unity: We believe that collaboration makes us stronger. 

Integrity: We endeavor to instill a culture where everyone is treated with trust and respect. 

Stewardship: We are entrusted with sustaining a treasured community resource and are committed to its success. 

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law. 

Applications for this position should be sent to 

jobs@indianapolissymphony.org.