Development Intern (Spring 2026)

The American Lung Association has an excellent opportunity for a Development Intern in Charleston SC. 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 fulfill an internship graduation requirement. This position will be for the spring semester January 5 2026 through May 29 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 Donor Drive 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:
  • Lip Sync for Lungs (February 2026)
  • Charleston Oxygen Ball (May 2026)
  • Backpacks for Bright Futures (August 2026)

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 bachelors 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 learn
• Ability 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 including vaping.

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.

Questions For more details about this role please reach out to

The American Lung Association is dedicated to a diverse workforce.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V