INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Development Intern

CompanyThe Education Trust
LocationWashington
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 1, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The Development Intern will assist in conducting research on donors, managing the Salesforce database, and supporting grant application processes. This role involves producing funder briefs and keeping up with EdTrust’s policy positions.
Internship Type
intern
Salary Range
$19 - $24
Company Size
363
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
20 hours
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About The Company
EdTrust promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels—pre-kindergarten through college. Our goal is to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement that consign far too many young people—especially those from low-income families or who are Black, Latino, or American Indian—to lives on the margins of the American mainstream. Although many organizations speak up for the adults employed by schools and colleges, we speak up for students, especially those whose needs and potential are often overlooked. We evaluate every policy, every practice, and every dollar spent through a single lens: what is right for students. We work alongside educators, parents, students, policymakers, and civic and business leaders in communities across the country, providing practical assistance in their efforts to transform schools and colleges into institutions that serve all students well. We analyze local, state, and national data and use what we learn to help build broader understanding of achievement and opportunity gaps and the actions necessary to close them. We participate actively in national and state policy debates, bringing lessons learned from on-the-ground work and from unflinching data analyses to build the case for policies that will help all students and schools reach high levels of achievement. Our Core Beliefs: We believe in the power of education to close the gaps that separate low-income students and students of color from other young Americans. We believe that schools and colleges, appropriately organized, can help virtually all students master the knowledge they need to succeed. We believe long-standing gaps in opportunity, achievement, and attainment have roots inside and outside of schools. And though we know these gaps are stubborn, we also know they are not inevitable. We believe a strong education improves the lives of young people, is vital to sustaining our democracy, and strengthens America.
About the Role
 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

The Education Trust (EdTrust) seeks a Development Intern to join the organization’s national fundraising team for Summer 2026. The Intern will assist the Development team in the execution of effective fundraising strategies to advance EdTrust’s mission at the national and state levels. The opportunity will help the Intern gain practical experience within the Development department including prospect research, grant writing and reporting, CRM maintenance, and project management.

 

EdTrust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.  


This role will have a duration of June 1 through August 7, 2026, and is based in our Washington, DC office, with eligibility for telework for up to 3 days per week per our current policy. Interns must reside in DC, Maryland or Virginia during the internship and report to the EdTrust office within three (3) days of hire for employment verification.  The Development Intern will report to the Development Associate. This role is budgeted for 20 hours per week for approximately 10 weeks. Exact hours are negotiable.


ABOUT THE INTERN ROLE

Major responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Conduct research of current and prospective donors
  • Support the Development Assistant with the management of Salesforce data base and scheduling funder and internal meetings
  • Assist in the production of funder briefs and backgrounders for EdTrust staff
  • Support the execution of grant application and reporting processes, including proposal and report writing, quality assurance, and timely submission
  • Keep abreast of EdTrust’s policy positions and research, as well as best practices in fundraising and donor database management

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

  • Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity, with a focus on racial equity
  • Willingness to receive and act upon constructive feedback
  • Ability to organize, prioritize tasks, work collaboratively, and meet deadlines 
  • Strong communication skills, with a focus on writing
  • Attention to detail and ability to multitask 
  • Ability to take initiative and be self-directed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

  • At least a high school diploma or GED, and enrolled in or completed a higher education degree program 
  • Experience using MS Office software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • General knowledge of education policy and nonprofit fundraising
  • Previous research and writing experience preferred, including, but not limited to, previous internships at other policy-focused organizations and initiatives

COMPENSATION

The pay for this role ranges from $19/hr for undergraduate students and recent grads to $21-24/hr for graduate students. To maintain equity within our intern pay scale, we do not negotiate on intern pay rates; pay rates for internships are primarily determined based on level of education. Sick leave is accrued in this role.

TO APPLY:

EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.  


Qualified candidates please apply via ADP, including submitting an updated resume and 1-2 paragraphs on why you want to work as an Intern at EdTrust and how you anticipate the internship will benefit your career. 

Key Skills
ResearchGrant WritingCommunicationProject ManagementData ManagementCollaborationAttention to DetailMultitaskingInitiativeSelf-Directed
Categories
EducationSocial ServicesAdministrativeGovernment & Public Sector
Benefits
Sick Leave