Internships with the Development Office

The Wilson Center, chartered by Congress in 1968 as the official memorial to President Woodrow Wilson, is the nation’s key non-partisan policy forum for tackling global issues through independent research and open dialogue to inform actionable ideas for the policy community. The Wilson Center brings fresh thinking and deep expertise to the most pressing policy challenges we face today. We convene scholars to create a global dialogue of ideas that Congress, the administration, and the international policy community can act on. In 2019, the Wilson Center was named the #1 regional studies think tank in the world. Since 1968 our nonpartisan insight and analysis has helped power the decision of policymakers, civic leaders, and the general public across a wide spectrum of beliefs and backgrounds.

TypeInternship

SemesterNot accepting applications for Spring 2025 internships. Please check in back for Summer 2025.

Development Officer Internship Program - Paid

The internship will be housed with the Wilson Center’s Development Office. The Development Office is tasked with organization wide stakeholder management, business development efforts and key private and public event management. The Development Officer will perform a wide range of tasks including drafting pitch and marketing materials, assisting with fundraising, database management, drafting outreach and target list as well as attending and staffing high-level engagements with existing donors and key stakeholders.

Application Parameters:

Application Materials: To be considered for the role please submit a resume, and brief one page essay outlining one timely major geopolitical, foreign policy or business-related issue that you consider critical, or one that is currently being discussed by the Wilson Center. UPDATE: Not accepting applications for Spring 2025 internships. Please check in back for Summer 2025.

Expected start date:

Position Details:

Up to 35 hours a week, part time options available on a case-by-case basis
This position will be compensated at $17.45/hour*

Application Process:

After submitting application materials, selected candidates will be screened through an initial phone call. Afterwards, selected candidates will be selected for a second round of interviews. Finally selected candidates will be asked to complete a basic task such as creating a prospecting list, or draft pitch materials. The process will span approximately two weeks.

Internship Responsibilities:

Conduct industry research relating to fundraising projects as well as programmatic focus
Drafting pitch materials including meeting briefs, event notes and solicitation materials
Creating target and outreach lists that will be used for pitch meetings
Drafting proposals based on fundraising projects
Identify potential partnerships for the Wilson Center to explore
Perform ad-hoc administrative duties
Track event attendance

Qualifications:

Recent graduates (in the last calendar year), graduate students, seniors graduating in summer of 2024, or Juniors with expected graduation of summer 2025
Ability to attend in person events in Washington DC preferred
Intermediate Microsoft Office skills
Business or Foreign Studies majors encouraged to apply, other majors welcome to apply
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast paced environment on a variety of tasks
Ability to meet deadlines

*$17.45/hour for in person interns, compensation varies on location for remote interns

Testimonials from our former Development interns:

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to have interned with the Development Department at the Wilson Center. The staff constantly provided ample opportunities for learning- within the development office and the various activities that happen at the Wilson Center. The best thing about this position is being a focal point for all departments and donors at the center. I was able to see the full scope of research and outreach from the Center and make connections with many groups involved. Even transitioning to a remote setting due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff kept me engaged, informed, and feeling truly supported during a an uncertain time. I gained so many skills from this internship and am excited to use them moving forward in my career."

- Emily Ashner, Spring and Summer 2020 Intern

"I have been honored to interact and listen to well-known speakers and diplomats discuss relevant global issues and topics. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Development intern is seeing your work immediately put into action, whether it is the release of your event summary to high-profile donors, or the distribution of your research on attendees of an event and donors. The most valuable experience I gained as a Development intern was having the exposure to different public and private sector officials while at the Center and in the Development office, which gave me an irreplaceable, hands-on introduction to the public sector and service fields, where I want to pursue a career."

- Gabriella Small, Summer 2016 Intern