Leadership Events Intern

An internship with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. 

The National MS Society is offering an exciting internship opportunity within the Development department. This paid internship offers valuable experience in the non-profit, fundraising, and event planning industries. This position can be based out of our office in Seattle, WA and is ideal for someone seeking a career in non-profit, marketing, fundraising, event production, and/or communications. 

Candidates must be self-motivated, a team player, result-oriented, and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people living with and affected by MS. This position will work directly with the Sr. Manager of Leadership Events on donor engagement, sponsorship and vendors with the end result of reaching the Leadership Events campaign fundraising goals.

This Intern will need to be based in Seattle, WA or surrounding areas to support occasional weekend events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fundraising and Donor Engagement (40%)
  • Assist in the recruitment, cultivation, engagement, and retention of donors and participants.
  • Develop and implement strategies to increase fundraising and donor involvement.
  • Support in-person events to celebrate and thank donors and participants.
  • Engage donors through phone calls, emails, and social media.
• Event Planning and Execution (30%)
  • Assist with the planning and execution of fundraising events.
  • Coordinate logistics for event day, including setup, registration, and volunteer management.
  • Help with the creation and distribution of promotional materials.
• Community Outreach (20%)
  • Contact local businesses and organizations to promote fundraising events.
  • Connect with local media for press releases, advertisements, and community calendars.
  • Distribute promotional materials in local communities and produce content for social media updates.
• Administrative Support (10%)
  • Assist with data entry, inventory management, and other administrative tasks.
  • Support post-event follow-up and analysis.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop skills in fundraising and donor relationship management.
• Gain experience in event planning and execution.
• Enhance communication and marketing skills.
• Understand the inner workings of a non-profit organization and its development activities.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree as a Junior or Senior in college or any year in graduate school.
• Open to all majors, with a preference for Communication, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Relations, Non-Profit Management, or related fields.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work 10 weeks, 15-20 hours per week.
• Occasional travel required for event preparation and execution.
• Access to reliable internet (required for remote or hybrid positions).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software for e-mail, document, and spreadsheet creation/management.
• Comfortable with community outreach through phone calls, emails, and in-person visits.
• Social media savvy.
• Preferred availability to attend Party to End MS 5/10/25

What We Will Offer: 

We are dedicated to your personal and professional growth while you work with us and beyond.  Here are some of the things you can expect as an intern with our organization. 

Networking and professional development sessions with other interns across the organization 

Mentoring from Society staff dedicated to the internship program. 

The opportunity to uncover and leverage your strengths through Clifton Strengths assessment & evaluation. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that brings the power of diversity to life through our Employee Resource Groups “ERGs”, Inclusive Voices, Society Pride, Workability and Military Community Network . Our ERGs are dedicated to supporting the continued development of your professional and leadership skills. 

Continued networking and engagement opportunities via our LinkedIn group for Past and Present interns 

Opportunity to learn about multiple sclerosis and work with the leading national organization supporting people impacted by MS. 

The hourly rate for internships is $15, except when noted differently above OR where local minimum wage exceeds that figure, in which case the hourly rate will be the higher of the two. If you are unable to be paid for this internship due to outside funding or other directives from your educational institution – please let your hiring manager know AFTER you have been identified as the final candidate.  

About the National MS Society 

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a national Non-Profit that exists because there are people with MS. Our vision is a world free of MS. Everything we do is focused so that people affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. 

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.