Design Development Intern Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Department: Development

Reports To: Division Director, Development

Availability: 2 days/week, 4-5-hours per day, on weekdays.

This is an Unpaid Internship

Who We Are

At Hesed House, ending homelessness isn't a distant aspiration — it is the mission that drives every action we take. We are the second-largest homeless shelter in Illinois and the largest outside the city of Chicago, and a nationally recognized model for comprehensive, compassionate care. Located in Aurora, IL, our campus serves more than 1,000 individuals and families each year, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our Comprehensive Resource Center brings together highly skilled professionals and community partners to provide shelter, meals, clothing, medical care, legal services, substance abuse counseling, employment coaching, housing assistance, and so much more. We believe every person deserves dignity and the chance to hope again — and we show up every day to make that real.

More than 7,500 volunteers from over 90 area churches, businesses, and organizations partner with us annually. Their generosity, alongside the financial support of our donors, makes our life-changing work possible.

The Opportunity

The ideal intern candidate brings a deep interest in serving our most vulnerable neighbors, using their time and energy to learn fundraising and non-profit through doing. You will be someone who wakes up eager to make a difference — both in the lives of donors who want to give well, and in the lives of our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

What You Will Do

Support the Development Team

• Help maintain and update the donor database, ensuring accurate record-keeping of donations and communications. May include working with our Donor Care Coordinator on tribute gifts, acknowledgements and in-kind giving.
• Donor outreach via phone, email, and written communication. Donors are the center or our work – growing and maintaining relationships with them is critical to the success of Hesed House.
• Support the planning and executing fundraising events, including logistics, outreach, and follow-up activities.
• Collaborate with team members on special projects and initiatives related to development and community engagement.
• Participate in marketing efforts including social media planning, post creation, engagement tracking and execution.
• Serve as a representative of Hesed House as a member of the Development Department (as needed):
  • At Volunteer/Community events
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Fundraising events
  • Third-party events
• Hesed House's fundraising success is a team effort. You will:
  • Play an active role in major fundraising events including our signature Derby event.
  • Bring a collaborative, solutions-focused spirit to every project and every team interaction

What We're Looking For 

• We are seeking future fundraising, sales, marketing, and non-profit professionals with a genuine heart for serving people. The strongest candidates will bring:
• A deep desire to serve — you are energized by connecting donors with a cause that truly changes lives.
• Strong and growing interpersonal skills; you build trust naturally and enjoy engaging with diverse individuals and communities.
• Comfort and enthusiasm working within a faith-based organization while engaging effectively with secular partners and donors.
• A collaborative spirit combined with self-motivation and the ability to work independently with excellence.
• A commitment to learning!
• Proficiency with design and communications tools including Canva, MS Office, and AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude.
• Comfort learning new technologies like CRM Databases, Constant Contact email marketing tools, online event and donation software.
• Curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset — always asking how we can do this better

Work Environment

This role is based at our Aurora, IL campus. It requires a professional, business-casual appearance and a welcoming demeanor when representing Hesed House externally. Some of our work takes place on evenings and weekends.

Additional requirements:

• Must pass DCFS and criminal background checks
• Must be able to comfortably and consistently navigate stairs
• Must be able to move donations and materials as needed

Why Hesed House?

When you join Hesed House, you join a community of people who believe that everyone deserves dignity and the chance to hope again. You will come to work every day knowing that the relationships you build and the dollars you raise directly feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter families, and help people rebuild their lives. This is a place where excellence is celebrated, creativity is welcomed, and your work truly matters.