Development Intern

The American Lung Association has an excellent opportunity for a Development Intern in San Diego, CA. Working alongside members of the Development Team, the intern will join an outstanding group of professionals dedicated to our mission: to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education, and advocacy. The intern will assist the American Lung Association San Diego staff to execute fundraising and special events activities to gain experience in the field of non-profit fundraising, event management, and communications.

This is an unpaid internship position requiring a minimum time commitment of 10 -15 hours per week (flexible schedule) and must be eligible for course credit or fulfill an internship graduation requirement. This position is for Fall 2026 and must be completed by December 2026.

PROJECTS  

This is a great opportunity for the intern to enhance their skills in organization, multi-tasking and communications. The intern can expect to develop confidence and marketable skills by engaging in or assisting with many of the following activities:

• Gain a basic understanding of the American Lung Association
  • Become knowledgeable of mission, development, and communications efforts.
  • Gain technical training by utilizing Microsoft Excel and Outlook and other ALA databases.
  • Participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities.
• Communications 
  • Assist with general administrative support for communications to gain exposure to specific events terminology.        
  • Assist in the development of media materials such as social media content and graphic design.
  • Assist in compiling media lists, media calendars and communications plans.
  • Assist with brainstorming and providing creative ideas to execute communications efforts for events, programs and advocacy efforts for teams throughout the Western Division.
• Development
  • Assist with general administrative support for the ALA Pickleball Tournament and Gala and LUNG FORCE Walk to gain exposure to specific events terminology.
  • Assist in data entry, tabling promotional events, mailings, event promotion dissemination and volunteer recruitment.
  • Assist with brainstorming and providing creative ideas to execute a successful LUNG FORCE Walk marketing, recruitment, and fundraising plan

LEARNING OUTCOMES:  

• Gain a basic understanding of Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms.
• Learn more about Non-Profit structure, including mission, development, and communications efforts.
• Gain technical training by utilizing Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and OneDrive.
• Learn about team building and collaborating with staff.
• Learn how to develop communications for community outreach and participant event marketing and management.
• Learn to cultivate relationships.
• Learn how to communicate in a professional office setting

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Must be working towards a bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Public Health, or related field.
• Must be eligible to receive college credit for internship
• Qualified candidates must be enthusiastic, reliable, and interested in developing a career in Development, Public Relations, or non-profit management.
• Qualified candidates should possess strong writing skills, attention to detail, and have a keen interest in the mission of the American Lung Association
• Ability to multitask, perform in a team environment, and a demonstrated willingness to learn
• Ability to work independently
• Computer Proficiency – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher
• Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. (supplies)
• Consistent with its mission, the American Lung Association maintains a smoke-free workplace; all interns and volunteers must abstain from tobacco use in any form, including vaping.

Required Documentation:  Before an unpaid internship begins, documentation from an accredited college or university will be required stating that this internship opportunity is eligible for course credit or fulfills an internship graduation requirement.  

Equal Employment Opportunity 

The American Lung Association is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the American Lung Association to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to their race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or physical and/or mental disabilities, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. 

Policy Statement 

It is the policy of the American Lung Association to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to their race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or physical and/or mental disabilities, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This policy applies in all employment actions including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, corrective actions, terminations, compensation, benefits and training.