Development and Media Engagement Intern

Intern Job Title:       Development & Media Engagement Intern    

Department:            Development   

Reports To:             Area Development Director, Chicago

FLSA Status:          Non-Exempt               

Compensation:      Stipend of $4,000 total for the duration of the program  (equivalent to approximately $19.05/hour. This  does not include lodging or      transportation)  

Hours Per Week:    21 Hours  

Location:                 Chicago, IL (Must be local to location of office)

End Date:                 August 7, 2026

We’re excited you’re interested in this internship! Take a moment to read through the full job description to learn more about the opportunity. Be sure to also check the application instructions at the end of job description and upload all required documents so your application can be fully considered.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

The Development & Media Engagement Intern will support the UNCF Chicago Area Office by contributing to signature fundraising events, donor stewardship efforts, and a unique media and journalism partnership designed to elevate UNCF’s mission and the impact of HBCUs.

This internship offers a blend of hands‑on event execution, donor engagement, and storytelling through digital and broadcast media. A portion of the internship (not to exceed 25%) will be spent working with CAN TV studios on a special media project that highlights UNCF’s mission for a city‑wide audience.

This role is ideal for a student leader who is passionate about mission‑driven work, storytelling, community engagement, and amplifying the message that “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

ABOUT UNCF  

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: 

• Signature Event & Fundraising Support
• Provide operational and logistical support for key fundraising events, including: 
• The 26th Annual Chicago AMI (A Mind Is…) Gala
• Chicago and Milwaukee Walks for Education
• Support event execution activities such as participant registration, volunteer coordination, and on site event management.
• Assist with event preparation, day of logistics, and post event follow up activities.
• Development & Donor Stewardship
• Assist with donor outreach and stewardship efforts, including preparation of materials & follow up communications.
• Support fundraising campaigns by drafting compelling fundraising appeals, email content, & social media copy.
• Help engage community members and supporters around summer fundraising initiatives.
• Media & Journalism Partnership (Up to 25%)
• Participate in a structured media project in partnership with CAN TV studios.
• Support the creation of digital and broadcast content that elevates: 
• UNCF’s mission
• The impact of HBCUs
• Stories of students, donors, and community partners
• Assist with research, scripting, filming coordination, and digital storytelling as appropriate.
• Gain exposure to professional media production environments and processes.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university (junior, senior, or graduate student preferred), undergraduate or graduate student in public administration, education, nonprofit management, business, or a related field. 
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. 
• Strong verbal and written storytelling skills. 
• Demonstrated interest in media, journalism, communications, fundraising, or nonprofit development. 
• Interest in video production, digital content, and social media platforms. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). 
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills. 
• Ability to work effectively in fast‑paced, event‑driven environments. 
• Passion for mission‑driven and cause‑based organizations.
• Availability to work onsite during our core hours Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm 
• Availability for occasional evenings and weekends event(s).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply for this internship, please submit your application online and include the following uploaded documents with application for consideration:

• A current resume
• Applicants must provide an unofficial transcript demonstrating a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• *Professional Reference (include name, email, and phone number)
• *Recommendation Letter

*Cannot be a family member. 

Only completed applications submitted through the online portal will be considered. 

Background checks required.

UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V