Position Title - Development Intern, Auditorium Theatre
Category - Temporary
Position Number - ZH9981
Posting Number - S0001358
Location - Chicago
Open Date - 04/06/2026
Open Until Filled? - Yes
Job Type - Part-Time
Working Hours
Position Summary - About The Auditorium
The Auditorium is a National Historic Landmark and a leading performing arts venue committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community, and educational programming. We are dedicated to fostering artistic excellence, expanding access to the arts, and supporting the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago. Our team is passionate, mission-driven, and united in the belief that the performing arts can transform communities.
Position Overview
The Auditorium seeks a detail-oriented, curious, and proactive Development Intern to support fundraising operations and donor communications during a high-impact season. This internship offers practical experience across events, data, grant writing, and individual giving within a collaborative fundraising team.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the internship, the Development Intern will be able to:
Logistics & Benefits
Schedule: 15–20 hours/week; some evening or weekend hours required
Work Mode: On-site
Training & Mentorship: Weekly 1:1 check-ins, skill-building sessions, and feedback on writing and data projects.
Professional Development: Opportunity to build portfolio pieces (appeal, proposal/report, SOP excerpts) and receive resume/LinkedIn feedback.
The hourly rate is $17 per hour.
Title IX Contact Information: Federal Title IX policy requires that all colleges and universities make known the contact information for the person responsible for coordinating its efforts to comply with Title IX regulations. At Roosevelt University, the Title IX Coordinator is Natasha Robinson. Her office is located in the Auditorium Building of the Chicago campus, 430 S. Michigan Avenue, AUD 476B. She can be reached at 312-281-3245 or TitleIX@roosevelt.edu.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required - Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills with sharp attention to detail. Comfort with spreadsheets and data entry. Professionalism, reliability, and ability to manage deadlines. Commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards in handling donor information. Availability to work the Center Stage Soirée on August 8 (evening hours required).
Years of Experience Required - 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit development, grant writing, or institutional fundraising
Required Education - High School/GED
Certification/Licensure Required
Minimum Qualifications - See knowledge, skills and abilities above.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with any CRM or database (e.g., SalesforceNPSP, Raiser's Edge, EveryAction/Bonterra, Neon, Bloomerang, etc.). Prior exposure to development, events, marketing/communications, or grant writing. Familiarity with accessibility, inclusive language, and donor-centered communications. Interest in performing arts and/or architecture.
Equipment Operated
Working Conditions - Standard noise and climate controlled office environment. Job is mostly sedentary and requires frequent use of wrist for typing.
Priority Application Instructions - Please submit the following by May 10:
Resume (1 page)
Brief cover letter explaining your interest and relevant experience (max 1 page)
One writing sample (can be any piece of writing that represents your written communication abilities; e.g. creative writing piece, excerpt of academic paper, fundraising-related communications; max 3 pages)
Departmental Contact Information
Essential Job Functions
Duty and Responsibility - Event Support – Center Stage Soirée (August 8)
Assist with event planning timelines, run of show, and vendor/venue coordination.
Support guest list management, handle sponsor and VIP benefits, and manage onsite registration/check-in.
Provide day-of support including silent auction and wine pull coordination (must be available on August 8)
Percentage Of Time - 40
Duty and Responsibility - Data & Systems – CRM Data Manual
Help draft a CRM Data Standards & Procedures Manual covering data entry conventions, gift processing workflows, coding/attributes, soft crediting, deduplication, and reporting basics.
Document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for campaign, fund, and appeal structures.
Support data hygiene tasks (e.g., record updates, list pulls, segmentation QA) following privacy and security protocols.
Percentage Of Time - 20
Duty and Responsibility - Individual Giving – Campaign Appeal
Draft one donor appeal (including direct mail letter, emails, and other outreach efforts) tailored to a specific segment with a clear case for support, impact statements, and a compelling call to action.
Coordinate needed approvals; collaborate on design, segmentation, A/B testing (if applicable), and performance tracking (open, click, response rates).
Produce a donation page using the DonorDrive platform
Percentage Of Time - 20
Duty and Responsibility - Institutional Giving – Grant Writing
Draft either:
Gather supporting data and quotes; coordinate reviews and finalize for submission or archive.
Percentage Of Time - 20
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents