Advancement Summer Internship Program - Stewardship 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 Stewardship Intern, you will support efforts to strengthen donor relationships by helping create meaningful stewardship experiences that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy at the University of Iowa. Working closely with stewardship liaisons and development professionals across the organization, you will assist in developing personalized donor communications, engagement strategies, and recognition efforts for donors at all giving levels. This internship will provide hands-on experience in donor stewardship, donor relations, fundraising operations, and advancement communications while helping ensure donors feel valued, connected to Iowa, and inspired by the impact of their support.

Core Responsibilities

• Participate in stewardship strategy meetings with stewardship liaisons and development officers to learn how stewardship supports donor engagement and long-term philanthropic relationships.

• Assist in researching donor interests, philanthropic histories, and engagement opportunities to help create customized stewardship plans and donor experiences.

• Utilize the organization's fundraising CRM to document stewardship activities, track donor engagement, and support stewardship reporting efforts.

• Lead the first-time donor outreach initiative by coordinating weekly donor lists and partnering with fellow interns to facilitate donor phone calls and text message outreach.

• Collaborate with stewardship team members to develop, create, and distribute personalized ThankView messages to donors.

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