Internships

Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia has several internships that offer on-the-job training as well as a chance to impact the lives of children with critical illnesses. 

Internships are designed for current undergraduate (rising sophomores to seniors) and graduate students during the Fall, Spring, and Summer of each year. All available internship opportunities are unpaid positions. School credit can be provided.  

Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and we are located in Richmond, Virginia. Candidates are asked to commit to a schedule for the duration of the internship. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to Jenna Peterson, Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected].

** Please note: we are currently accepting applications for Fall 2022 Communications Interns**
Communications interns will research and draft wish stories, donor stories, draft press releases, and other writing assignments as needed. Interns will also assist in the research and development of messaging for social media and/or website; assist in upkeep of social media sites and website content development. 

Internship Duties: 

• Researching information for wish stories and donor stories 
• Drafting the content for wish stories and donor stories 
• Writing first drafts of press releases, and other writing assignments as needed 
• Researching and development of messaging for social media platforms and Make-A-Wish website 
• Upkeep and maintenance of Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia social media sites 
• Website content development 
• Graphic design, including developing skills in the production of general and event collateral, involved from concept to completion. Interns may also assist in the production of creative materials for digital use. 

Essential Responsibilities and Skills: 

• Strong writing skills/knowledge of AP Style 
• Basic graphic design skills 
• Ability to learn quickly and work independently (when needed) 
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed, but uncomplicated written or oral instructions 
• Excellent organization, communication, writing and problem solving skills 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
• Ability to multi-task 
• Work well with staff, vendors, volunteers and donors

Development and special events interns will support the development department in the implementation of fundraising and special events programs, activities and projects and provide administrative support to areas needed within these initiatives. The ideal candidate must have strong organizational, written, and communications skills. Attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment are critical. 

Internship Duties: 

• Researching potential donors 
• Cultivating current donor relationships 
• Learning new software programs 
• Organizing volunteer schedules for day-of events 
• Donor recognition 
• Assisting with all aspects of special events which include, but are not limited to making follow up phone calls, writing thank you notes, gathering supplies, sending out emails to volunteers, and assisting in the execution of donor recognition programs 
• Maintaining accurate files 
• Entering and maintaining database 

Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Skills: 

• Ability to learn quickly and work independently (when needed) 
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed, but uncomplicated written or oral instructions 
• Excellent organization, communication, writing and problem solving skills 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
• Ability to multi-task 
• Work well with staff, vendors, volunteers and donors 
• Ability to follow through and handle projects responsibly and keep appropriate staff informed. 

Volunteer services interns will support the recruitment, training, recognition, and tracking of volunteers. The ideal candidate must have strong organizational, written, and communications skills. Attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment are critical. 

Job Duties: 

• Documenting all online volunteer postings, updating outdated postings, and helping to streamline as appropriate 
• Assisting with the planning of volunteer trainings, identifying locations, securing lunch donors, assembling supplies, and promoting the events 
• Supporting the development of a plan to utilize the courses offered on Make-A-Wish University, our e-learning system, for continuing education of current volunteers 
• Developing processes to assist with recognizing volunteer achievements all year round 
• Updating volunteer records in our database to ensure accurate data 
• Support the newly developed Regional Champion program 

Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Skills: 

• Must have reliable transportation 
• Ability to learn quickly and work independently (when needed) 
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed, but uncomplicated written or oral instructions 
• Excellent organization, communication, writing and problem solving skills 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
• Work well with staff and volunteers 
• Event planning experience a plus 
• Ability to follow through and handle projects responsibly and keep appropriate staff informed