Advancement Summer Internship Program - Athletics Development Intern

The University of Iowa Center for Advancement (UICA) is currently providing opportunities for full-time paid summer internships. UICA encourages students from all backgrounds to explore careers in nonprofit settings, promote engagement with the University of Iowa, support and advance the university and its programs through meaningful pre-professional opportunities, and support potential graduates to obtain roles within our organization.

The UICA will provide 9 intern opportunities that provide 10 weeks of work experience, June 2 - August 6. Internships are open to students entering their second year of college in Fall 2027 through students graduating from any college or university in 2027. Interns will earn $18/hour and will be provided with the flexibility and technology to work from home two days per week if desired. Up to five unpaid vacation days will be available throughout the internship program if desired. At the conclusion of the internship, all interns are expected to give a final presentation highlighting their experience and projects they have worked on. Housing and benefits are not available as part of the intern experience and interns must be within driving distance of our Iowa City, IA office.

As the Athletics Development Intern, you will support the Athletics Development team in advancing the mission of the University of Iowa Athletics Department while gaining hands-on experience in collegiate athletics fundraising, donor engagement, stewardship, and event management. Working alongside Athletics Development professionals, you will contribute to annual and major gift fundraising initiatives, donor relations, prospect research, and strategic projects that support the continued success of Iowa Athletics. This internship will provide valuable experience in fundraising strategy, research and analysis, event planning, donor engagement, and database management while offering insight into the role philanthropy plays in advancing collegiate athletics.

Core Responsibilities

• Partner with Athletics Development gift officers to support donor prospecting, cultivation, stewardship, and engagement strategies, including prospect research and analysis to support annual and major gift fundraising efforts.

• Conduct research and benchmarking of athletics fundraising and engagement best practices, including planned giving societies, donor stewardship initiatives, and other opportunities to strengthen donor relationships.

• Assist with the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of Athletics Development events, including researching potential host venues, outreach, event preparation, on-site support, and post-event follow-up.

• Maintain accurate donor and event information within the CRM database, including registration and attendance records, contact reports, data entry, and data queries.

• Prepare and send weekly thank-you correspondence to Athletics donors in recognition of their philanthropic support.

• Support strategic Athletics Development initiatives, including the endowed scholarship program, premium seating, and other fundraising priorities.

• Collaborate with Athletics Development team members on special projects and administrative assignments, contributing research, analysis, and project support as needed.

Qualifications

• Open to students entering their second year of college in Fall 2027 through students graduating from any college or university in 2027.

• Must be within driving distance of our Iowa City, IA office.

*2027 UICA internship opportunity applications will remain open UNTIL 4:00pm CDT, Wednesday, November 18th, 2026