The Philanthropy team advances the National Aquarium’s mission by inspiring individual, corporate, foundation, and public funders to support our work through charitable contributions. In this dynamic role, the intern will provide administrative, project coordination, content-development, data management, and writing support on both internal and donor-facing projects for our hard-working, fun-loving team. The Philanthropy Intern will learn a wide range of strategies and best practices while supporting efforts in the areas of individual and institutional giving, membership, major gifts, corporate membership, sponsorship, and development services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide administrative and project support for the Philanthropy team.
• Conduct research on prospective and current donors to inform cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Assist with data entry, record maintenance, and reporting in the donor database to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Draft and prepare donor correspondence, acknowledgements, and meeting materials. Contribute to the coordination of giving campaigns and related outreach activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental goals and initiatives.

REQUIREMENTS

• Current undergraduate or graduate student, preferably pursuing a degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, marketing or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with donor databases or CRM systems is a plus.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Interest in fundraising, donor relations, and nonprofit management.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Availability to attend intern onboarding week Monday - Friday, June 1st - June 5th.
• Availability to complete 200 program hours over 10-12 weeks June - August 2026.

Internships at the National Aquarium provide hands-on and minds-on experiences that add value to any college education. Applying classroom knowledge, interns obtain valuable job experience and establish professional contacts.

College internship positions are available year-round in many departments throughout the Aquarium. The Aquarium makes every effort to match interns to work that complements their studies, interests, and skills. Students may apply for up to two internships per term; if more than two applications are submitted, only the first two will be considered.

The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply.

Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website. All questions and requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to intern@aqua.org. A complete application includes the following:

• Answers to application questions, including biographical information, your availability, and a brief explanation of why you would like to participate and how it will assist you in your career.
• Copy of resume
• Contact information for 2 references

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.