Development InternshipsAvailable: Summer, Fall, Spring

As a nonprofit organization, Wolf Trap relies on private philanthropy to help support its general operations and signature artistic and education programs, such as the Wolf Trap Opera Company and the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts. The Development Department administers all of Wolf Trap’s fundraising efforts, including solicitation and stewardship of contributions from individual membership, corporations, foundations, government sources, and through the coordination of major fundraising events.

Requirements for Development Internships:

• Strong computer skills (MS Word and Excel), experience with Raiser’s Edge software is helpful but not necessary
• Outstanding writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Efficient organizational skills and ability to multitask
• Exceptional customer service skills, creativity, and initiative

Annual Fund

• Work with the annual fund staff to develop strategies for broadening and diversifying Wolf Trap’s membership
• Maintain donor recognition on the Filene Center Donor kiosk
• Manage guest list for the Encore Circle, Wolf Trap’s VIP lounge, and assist with related reports
• Coordinate stewardship events and mailings
• Record and manage information in donor database
• Assist donors with questions regarding membership benefits

Donor Relations

Support Wolf Trap’s Development Department through work on a variety of projects, including prospect research, grants management, and planning of various membership fulfillment and cultivation events.
Available: Spring, Summer
Job Description:

• Work with the annual fund staff to develop strategies for broadening and diversifying Wolf Trap’s membership
• Assist with planning, preparation and execution of programs for Wolf Trap’s luncheon speaker series, The Philanthropy Forum
• Work on special research projects and financial analysis
• Help facilitate opportunities for donors to visit a Wolf Trap education classroom, workshop, field trip, or other education event
• Perform grants management activities including prospect research, proposal development, and donor stewardship
• Coordinate stewardship events and mailings
• Record and manage information in donor database
• Assist donors with questions regarding their membership benefits

Major Gifts

Help Wolf Trap achieve its goal of securing gifts of $25,000 and above for general operating funds, special projects, and endowment.
Available: Summer
Job Description:

• Assist with planning and execution of exclusive events and behind the scenes opportunities for major and planned gift donors
• Work with members of the major gifts staff to help develop individualized strategies for prospective donors
• Conduct research on prospective major and planned gift funders
• Perform grants management activities including prospect research, proposal development, and donor stewardship
• Assist with stewardship and cultivation mailings and gift reports for major and planned gift donors
• Record, update and manage donor and prospect information in donor database

Special Events

Help Wolf Trap achieve its goal of raising $2,000,000 annually through a variety of fundraising events, as well as planning and executing numerous membership fulfillment and cultivation events throughout the year.
Available: Spring, Summer, Fall
Job Description:

• Assist in the daily planning and logistics of Wolf Trap’s major fundraising events: Art Uncorked (March), Wolf Trap Gala (May), Wolf Trap Ball (September), Invitational Golf Tournament (October), 5K Run (October)
• Coordinate registration and set up at smaller events throughout the year, such as Donor Nights, Theater Parties, and Board Dinners
• Complete special projects as assigned, such as developing audience surveys, evaluating data from past events, and conducting research on potential event sponsors
• Assist with event invitation mailings
• Record and manage information in donor database
• Address donor concerns and requests on the phone, over e-mail, and onsite at events