Intern Minnesota Society

Summary

DESCRIPTION: The Advancement Intern works closely with Development Officers and the Operations and Research Manager. The Advancement Department exists to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward individuals, companies, and foundations interested in supporting the Minnesota Historical Society. As an intern, you will be assisting the core teams of the Advancement and Membership Department—Major Gifts, Research and Prospect Management, Corporation Sponsor ships, Foundations, Legacy Giving, Gifts Processing, Membership and Events.

The internship will provide substantial experience in nonprofit development and advancement, while providing valuable experience working in one of the nation’s leading historical societies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) Assist with the annual endowment acknowledgement process;
2) Research individual, foundation, and corporate donors and identify potential sources for funding support;
3) Write and provide editing support for donor and prospect communications – for documents that will be provided to MNHS donors;
4) Assist with membership phone coverage;
5) Gather information and data to submit into the CRM database, ensure all information and data is accurate before submission;
6) Provide assistance with in-person and virtual fundraising and membership events;
7) Give support for processing mailings;
8) Help out at donor events as needed (occasional evenings and weekends);
9) Other duties as assigned by the Advancement team.

SEMINAR EVENTS: Interns are required to participate in three, in-person seminars focused on professional development, learning how cultural organizations operate, and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester, interns complete a final presentation to share their work.

Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:

• Thursday, September 24 from 11:30am-1:00pm
• Thursday, October 15
• Thursday, November 12 from 2:00pm-4:00pm
• Final Presentations:
  Thursday, December 17 from 11:00am-1:00pm

Compensation: Typical starting salary $16.50 hourly

Term: September 14, 2026 – December 20, 2026

Schedule: PT (15 hours/week)

Format: In-Person

Deadline: 07/14/2026

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled as a junior or senior level undergraduate, or graduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.
• Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or a graduate with a degree in the following areas:
  Communications, journalism, writing, public or nonprofit administration, library and information science.
• Experience with research and the tenacity to uncover hard-to-find information.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn a variety of CRM and research-related databases.
• Ability to write and communicate clearly and accurately. And a passion for professional writing
• Comfort level with taking on multiple tasks and working as part of a team and independently.
• A background in customer service with the potential to communicate with donors and members.
• Project management skills along with being detail-oriented.
• Interest in a potential career in the nonprofit industry, especially in fundraising/advancement.
• Working knowledge of the Google Drive suite, including Google Docs, Calendar, Mail, and Spreadsheets.

The Minnesota Historical Society preserves Minnesota’s past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history in meaningful ways, for today and for tomorrow. Because history matters!

We’re part of Minnesota’s rich history. Since 1849, we’ve grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious historical societies in the country. We play an important role in our state’s historic preservation, education and tourism; and provide the public with award-winning programs, exhibitions and events.

Tagged as:
Development