Development Intern - Fall 2026

The American Lung Association has an excellent opportunity for a Development Intern in Charleston, SC. 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 Development staff to execute fundraising, donor stewardship, and event planning activities to gain experience in the field of communications, PR, and non-profit management.

This is an unpaid internship position requiring a minimum time commitment of 8 hours per week (flexible schedule) and must be eligible for course credit or fulfills an internship graduation requirement. This position will be for the fall semester, August 2026 through December 2026.

PROJECTS  

This is a great opportunity for the intern to enhance their skills in event planning, organization, multitasking, and communications. The intern can expect to gain a basic understanding of the American Lung Association, as well as develop confidence and marketable skills by engaging in or assisting with many

of the following activities:

• Become knowledgeable of ALA mission, development, and communications efforts
• Gain technical training by utilizing Convio, One Cause, and Microsoft applications
• Participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities
• Assist with event support to gain exposure to specific event terminology, understanding of planning and execution of large-scale events, and recruitment/stewardship of event participants for:
  • Backpacks for Bright Futures (August 2026)
  • Community Connections (October/November 2026)
  • LUNG FORCE Run/Walk (October 2026)
  • Lip Sync For Lungs (February 2027)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Learn more about nonprofit structure, including mission, development, and communications efforts. 
• Learn about team building and collaborating with staff
• Learn how to develop communications for email fundraising campaigns, press releases and event promotion/marketing
• Learn to cultivate relationships
• Learn how to communicate in a professional business setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Must be working towards a bachelor's degree in Non-Profit Management, Marketing, Communications, Public Health, Public Relations, Hospitality, 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 nonprofit management, communications, public relations, or similar field
• 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 learnAbility 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 and are also required to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless approved for medical or religious exemption.

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.