Philanthropy Intern

Semester: Fall (September-December 2026)

Status: Part-time Temporary (15-20 hours per week)
Reports to: Irena Schenider, Interim VP of Advancement

Stipend: $18.40 per hour

Location: Washington, DC Preferred

ORGANIZATION

Issue One is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization that unites Republicans, Democrats, and independents to win game-changing federal reforms to fix our broken political system and create an inclusive democracy that works for everyone. Issue One educates the public and Congress to pass legislation to increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect the freedom to vote, and strengthen U.S. elections.

POSITION

Issue One is looking for an adaptable and detail-oriented Philanthropy Intern to join our fundraising department for the spring. This internship is centered on enhancing our donor database, supporting research, stewardship, event planning, and relationship management. The ideal candidate will excel in a dynamic environment, demonstrating flexibility, the ability to work independently, and a keen eye for detail. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to delve into the essential aspects of fundraising and development, offering hands-on experience and the chance to significantly contribute to our mission-driven work.

Our interns are integral members of Issue One, a small but growing office where you will gain hands-on experience in bipartisan outreach and advocacy, communications and messaging tactics, event planning, and much more. We also work closely with other reform organizations and will give you a comprehensive look at the vital work being done nationwide in democracy reform.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with research projects, including prospect research and pre-briefings for fundraisers and principals ahead of major donor meetings.
• Contribute to the writing and distribution of donor communications, event collateral and impact reports.
• Assist with maintaining records. This includes entering data, organizing files and documents, supporting donor database clean-up and ensuring data integrity remains a top priority.
• Provide support with event planning and any logistical needs.
• Help all members of the philanthropy team with tasks as requested.

Given our Philanthropy program's growing nature, duties are subject to change, and new responsibilities might be added based on the program's needs.

REQUIREMENTS

• Current undergraduate or graduate student or a recent graduate
• Excellent computer skills (Mac and PC, Google docs/sheets, and MS Office)
• Proficiency with AI tools (Claude preferred)
• Self-starter who can see projects through to completion
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to try new things
• Demonstrated ability to generate ideas and adapt to new projects
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, as well as with a team

LOCATION

This will be a part-time internship of 15-20 hours per week. Interns can work remotely or join us on-site for a hybrid schedule, including being in our Washington, DC office on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. If remote, they must reside in a state where Issue One is formally established. These states include California, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, or Virginia. Remote opportunities outside of these states will not be available.

We anticipate this being a roughly 13-week internship, with a start date on or about Monday, September 14, through about Friday, December 18.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This intern will be expected to work between 15 and 20 hours per week and be compensated at $18.40 per hour.

Intern Selection Timeline

• July 6-17: Position is posted, and resumes are collected.
• July 20-August 17: Resumes are screened and interviews are scheduled.

• August 17-21: Finalist selected and internship offered.

Special Note: While Issue One will do its best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organization will do its best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after October 31, there’s no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do at Issue One. We celebrate each individual's unique perspectives and experiences with our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to voluntarily complete our self-identification questionnaire. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities for success.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply by clicking the apply button above. Please include how you heard about the position.

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.