Alumni Relations and Engagement Program Intern

Alumni Engagement And Awards Program Intern

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for UW–Madison, is hiring for an Alumni Engagement and Awards Program Intern for the 2026–2027 academic year. This is a great opportunity for a student who is curious, organized, and excited to help recognize outstanding Badgers while gaining meaningful experience in alumni relations and nonprofit work.

In this hands-on internship, you will build skills in alumni relations, higher education advancement, program administration, communications, research, and event support. You will contribute to a variety of alumni engagement initiatives, with a primary focus on the Wisconsin Alumni Association's Alumni Awards program.

Working closely with the Senior Director of Administrative Programs and members of the Alumni Relations and Engagement team, you will help research prospective award nominees, prepare award and stewardship materials, manage program data, support communications, coordinate event logistics, and contribute to special projects that celebrate alumni achievement and strengthen Badger connections.

The intern is an ambassador for WFAA and UW–Madison and will have opportunities to interact with alumni, university partners, volunteers, and staff while gaining valuable exposure to nonprofit, advancement, and alumni relations.

Hourly Rate: $16.00/hour

Hours:

Approximately 10–15 hours per week, with the opportunity for additional hours during academic breaks and summer months. Duration:
Summer through the 2026–2027 academic year.

What You'll Gain:

• Practical experience in alumni and constituent engagement
• Opportunities to build program and project coordination skills
• Experience conducting research and identifying alumni achievements
• Practice developing professional writing and communications materials
• Exposure to event planning, preparation, and on-site execution
• Insight into stewardship and donor engagement practices
• Familiarity with database, CRM, and information-management systems
• A closer look at nonprofit and higher education administration
• Collaboration with university and advancement professionals

Diversity and Inclusion:

Just as the university community benefits from differing viewpoints, perspectives, and experiences, inclusion and diversity are imperative for the success of our mission. WFAA values people and the differences that they bring to the organization, and creates an environment in which all staff members and constituents feel respected and have opportunities to thrive.

Participate in Team Meetings and Professional Development Opportunities

• Attend team meetings, trainings, and program planning sessions.
• Develop an understanding of WFAA, UW–Madison, and alumni engagement best practices.
• Learn about nonprofit administration, event planning, and alumni relations.

Support the Alumni Awards Program

• Research prospective award nominees using internal and external resources.
• Review news articles, publications, and reports to identify alumni accomplishments and emerging nominees.
• Draft and edit award nomination materials.
• Assist with the preparation of materials for award selection committees.
• Organize recipient information, biographies, itineraries, and event materials.
• Participate in award planning and selection processes.
• Assist with stewardship and recipient communications.

Support Alumni Engagement Programs and Special Projects

• Conduct research and present findings to support engagement initiatives.
• Assist with volunteer, council, and alumni engagement projects.
• Support special projects related to constituent engagement and program operations.
• Collaborate with staff across the Alumni Relations and Engagement division.

Communications and Marketing Support

• Assist with reviewing marketing and promotional materials.
• Help gather and maintain alumni biographical, professional, and social media information.
• Draft correspondence, thank-you notes, stewardship communications, and other program materials.
• Support outreach efforts that promote alumni programs and events.

Data Management and Administrative Support

• Assist with data entry and record…