Development Intern (Special Events)At — The Priority Center

The Priority Center is seeking a dedicated Development Intern, specializing in Special Events, to gain meaningful experience in the nonprofit sector. We are an Orange County nonprofit organization, located in Santa Ana, CA, working to end the generational cycle of trauma. Our mission is to deliver life-changing programs to assist people in crisis by giving them the tools and support necessary to end the generational cycle of trauma- including prevention of child abuse and neglect, through early intervention and mental health services and advocacy.

The Development Intern (Special Events) will work with the Director of Special Events and Development Relations Associate to provide quality support to the Development Department in order to ensure the success of The Priority Center’s special events such as galas, golf outings, and casino nights. They will provide support pre-event, during the event, and post-event.

Type: Unpaid Intern

Commitment:Minimum of 3-5 months, 5-20 hours per week of service

** While these time frames work best for most students, all scheduling, including start/end dates and hours per week, is flexible and negotiated during the interview stage of the selection process. Hours are generally based on a student's availability and school schedule.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist in major fundraising event development and execution
• Operational and logistical coordination of major fundraising event
• Professionally work with event committees in line with Center mission and event goals
• Assist in coordination of special event fundraising budget and finances
• Acquire special event fundraising auction and raffle items
• Assist with the execution pre- and post-event communications
• Assist with completing post-event evaluations
• Responsible for professional working relationships with staff, board members, donors, community leaders and volunteers
• Help with the cultivation and steward of current and potential donors related to events
• Keep in accordance with the 10 Rules of Thanking: that every donor, event participant and volunteer is properly thanked in a timely manner
• Provide a highly professional and visible presence in the community
• Employ conversation that is professional, respectful, productive and deliberate
• Responsible for other projects as assigned

Qualifications:

• College student majoring in:
• Communications, Business Marketing, or Public Relations
• Other similar field

• Hands on experience with event planning or marketing
• Proven history of providing outstanding customer service while proactively problem solving
• Ability to work independently yet be an integral part of an overall team environment
• Detailed-oriented work style with an openness to learn
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent time management and ability to meet deadlines are critical to the position
• Positive, results-focused and a strong organizational self-started with professional demeanor
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office programs
• Previous internship experience plus, but no required
• Strong interest in non-profit sector

Benefits:

• Gain hands-on experience working with a local Orange County nonprofit organization
• Learn valuable skillsets in the areas of fundraising and special events
• Help improve the lives of thousands of at-risk children and families in Orange County, CA
• Gain credit for your college course/degree

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to uphold The Priority Center’s mission and vision
• Ability to effectively communicate and maintain a professional tone in written and verbal communication
• Ability to follow communication guidelines such as: calling out, requesting time off, and office procedures
• Ability to manage priorities and tasks including effective time management
• Ability to perform responsibilities in a timely manner

Applicants who are chosen to will need to clear a live scan, TB test, provide an official 3-year DMV driving record, provide 3 professional references, and attend an orientation session prior to beginning of their internship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with the requirements of all applicable federal or State laws.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
• Assist in major fundraising event development and execution
• Operational and logistical coordination of major fundraising event
• Professionally work with event committees in line with Center mission and event goals
• Assist in coordination of special event fundraising budget and finances
• Acquire special event fundraising auction and raffle items
• Assist with the execution pre- and post-event communications
• Assist with completing post-event evaluations
• Responsible for professional working relationships with staff, board members, donors, community leaders and volunteers
• Help with the cultivation and steward of current and potential donors related to events
• Keep in accordance with the 10 Rules of Thanking: that every donor, event participant and volunteer is properly thanked in a timely manner
• Provide a highly professional and visible presence in the community
• Employ conversation that is professional, respectful, productive and deliberate
• Responsible for other projects as assigned

Training:

On their first day, Interns will attend an internship orientation for The Priority Center. Throughout their internship, Interns will receive job shadowing, one-on-one sessions, and overviews/instructions for any assigned tasks.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to...
- assist in major fundraising event development and execution
- professionally work with event committees
- assist with pre- and post-event communications
- provide a highly professional and visible presence in the community
- gain hands-on experience working with a local Orange County nonprofit organization