ABOUT US:

Are you ready to revolutionize global education? If so, you may be a good fit for the Akilah Foundation Spring 2020 internship! We are seeking 3-4 interns to join a dynamic fundraising team during an exciting period of growth to support transformational student experiences across the globe.

The Akilah Foundation, a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is committed to expanding access to high-quality education worldwide by supporting innovative programs and learning environments. The Akilah Foundation supports Davis College | Akilah, the only college for women in Rwanda, and Davis College, a global co-ed network of universities. Davis College offers degrees to male and female students, with an ambitious vision for scale, while Davis College | Akilah serves as a unique environment for female students. 

Davis College Hong Kong and Davis College Rwanda will open in 2020. By 2030, Davis will open 10 campuses in Africa and Asia and educate 1 million students. 

The Davis academic pillars (21st-century skills, personalized learning, innovation, ethical leadership, and sustainability) will serve as its guiding light during this phase of rapid expansion. They define all of the institute's programs. Davis is committed to delivering a transformative learning experience that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in careers in the fastest growing sectors of the economy.

THE POSITION: 

Development Interns will learn about and support the day-to-day operations of our development team, from assisting our special events to ensuring our database systems are up-to-date. We are seeking 3-4 interns who can work 15-20 hours per week through the spring; previous fundraising experience is not required, but we are looking for strong candidates with an interest in non-profit fundraising. The following positions are available:

Development Operations Intern

The Development Operations internship is open to individuals interested in building their skill sets in translating and interpreting data into fundraising goals and strategy. Ideal candidates should be interested in managing data, identifying and implementing best organizational practices for data management, and paying great attention to detail. This position will work closely with the Development Associate and Development Assistant.

Job Responsibilities

• Organize fundraising prospect lists and documentation systems.

• Research possible funding and grant opportunities, as well as potential donors. 

• Support donor cultivation: assisting with managing and tracking relationships with current and prospective donors, setting up donor meetings, drafting thank you notes and follow-ups.

• Assist with the development of fundraising materials.

• Track past and current fundraising activity on Salesforce.

• Assist with unique marketing and communications materials to drive engagement with new and existing donors and partners.

• Other development and operational activities as assigned.

Special Events Intern

The Special Events internship will be highly involved in helping to manage our special events planning, particularly for our 2020 Decennial Galas, in addition providing support with donor tracking and follow-up. This position is well-suited for candidates interested in learning about donor engagement through events, planning and execution of events/programs, budget tracking, logistics, and marketing collateral preparation. 

Job Responsibilities

• Assist in supporting the successful execution of fundraising strategies, activities, and events.
• Assist in managing event budgets.
• Organize invite lists, prospect lists and documentation systems.
• Support donor cultivation: assisting with managing and tracking relationships with current and prospective donors, setting up donor meetings, drafting thank you notes and follow-ups.
• Assist with the development of fundraising materials.
• Track past and current fundraising activity and event participation in Salesforce.
• Other development and operational activities as assigned.

Executive Team Intern

The Executive Team internship is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the core activities of the Akilah Foundation by serving as a vital member of the President of the Akilah Foundation's support staff. Ideal candidates should be interested in global education, organizational management, international affairs, and administrative/logistical assistance. This position will work closely with the Executive Assistant to the President.

Job Responsibilities

• Support special projects, serving as a junior liaison between executive leadership and key stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, major donors, on-the-ground staff, and strategic partners.
• Assist in coordinating meetings and scheduling, including drafting and preparing meeting agendas, briefing notes, and corresponding materials.
• Record and update the President's activities in customer relationship management database (Salesforce).
• Work closely with the Executive Assistant to ensure that special projects are completed on or before deadlines assigned.
• Provide administrative and logistical assistance to the US and Global teams.
• Other development and operational activities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• GED/ High School diploma, or relevant years of experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. 
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Great computer skills (working knowledge of Salesforce or CRM systems is a plus!).
• Access to a laptop for use throughout the internship.
• Desire and aptitude for learning new concepts and skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload.
• Copy editing skills.

BENEFITS:

• Professional growth opportunity to work closely with a global team during an exciting phase of global expansion.
• Unique behind-the-scenes look at the reality of operating innovative solutions in education and garnering resources for a rapidly-growing international nonprofit.
• Gain valuable fundraising skills related to scaling an award-winning educational model globally 
• Flexible schedule.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• This is an unpaid position; however, academic credit is available. It is the responsibility of the intern to coordinate this with their school and department. 
• The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities, and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties & responsibilities of the internship position, and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position.  Project Akilah, Inc. may change the specific duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization. 
• Project Akilah, Inc. is an equal opportunity organization and offers opportunities to qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap, disability, or any other protected class per federal, state or local law.
• Applicants, as well as employees who are or become disabled, must be able to perform the essential duties & responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation.  The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Applications are rolling, so the sooner you apply, the better!
• To apply, submit your resume and cover letter, including why you are excited about this role and previous experience and skills that may be relevant.
• Applications will be accepted through January 22nd, 2020.