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Internship Development Writer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

WTTW

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... staff, interns, and freelance contributors to ensure high editorial standards, accuracy, and ... basic web development concepts • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Audition;

WFMT

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... staff, interns, and freelance contributors to ensure high editorial standards, accuracy, and ... basic web development concepts • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Audition;

CoSourcing Partners

Summer Internship Program

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$7.50 - $15/hr

Key Responsibilities Assignments are outlined in individual development plans and may include ... Strong written and verbal communication skills * Detail-oriented and highly organized * Self ...

Strut Learning

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Leadership Development * STRUT wants leaders who follow, not followers or leaders who do not follow ... Displays exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills (proactive ...

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Internship Development Writer information

What types of projects can an Internship Development Writer expect to work on during their internship?

As an Internship Development Writer, you can expect to work on a range of projects including drafting donor communications, creating grant proposals, writing impact stories, and assisting with fundraising campaign materials. You'll often collaborate closely with development officers, marketing teams, and program managers to ensure messaging is compelling and aligned with organizational goals. This hands-on experience helps you develop a portfolio and gain insight into nonprofit communications and fundraising strategies while learning to balance multiple deadlines in a dynamic work environment.

What does an Internship Development Writer do?

An Internship Development Writer typically assists with creating written materials to support fundraising, donor relations, and communications initiatives for nonprofit organizations or educational institutions. Their responsibilities may include drafting grant proposals, donor reports, newsletters, and social media content. The role provides valuable experience in persuasive writing, research, and understanding development strategies. Interns often collaborate with development teams to help tell the organization's story and engage supporters effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Development Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Development Writer, you need strong writing, research, and editing skills, typically supported by coursework or experience in English, communications, or related fields. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, content management systems (CMS), and sometimes grant-writing or fundraising databases is commonly required. Creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail are essential soft skills that help you craft compelling narratives and work effectively in team settings. These abilities ensure high-quality written materials that support organizational goals and foster engagement with stakeholders.

What is the difference between Internship Development Writer vs Content Writer?

AspectInternship Development WriterContent Writer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in communications, journalism, or related fieldsOften holds similar degrees, but may also include marketing or English
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, educational settings, or entry-level roles in organizationsCorporate, digital media, marketing agencies, or freelance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in educational institutions, nonprofits, and companies developing training contentUsed across industries for marketing, blogs, social media, and website content

While both roles involve writing, an Internship Development Writer focuses on creating educational or training content during an internship, often with a learning component. A Content Writer produces a broader range of content for marketing, branding, or informational purposes. The key difference lies in the purpose and context of the writing tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Development Writer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Development Writer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Internship Development Writer jobs in Illinois? For Internship Development Writer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Internship Development Writer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Development Writer jobs in Illinois are:
Internship Development Writer jobs near you
Fall 2026 Internship - Institutional Giving & Development

Fall 2026 Internship - Institutional Giving & Development

Shedd Aquarium

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.05/hr

Internship

Posted 4 days ago

Shedd Aquarium rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Internship: Institutional Giving & Development
Department: Development
Status: Temporary, non-exempt
Pay Rate: $17.05/hr
Location: Onsite
Season: Fall 2026 (8/31/26-11/20/26)
Application Deadline: July 13 at 5pm CST
Shedd Internship Program
Shedd Aquarium's Internship Program aims to provide meaningful career exploration for those seeking professions in non-profits, animal care, conservation, research, and beyond. We hope to inspire and develop future professionals as diverse as the aquatic world we care for.
These opportunities are geared toward those that are new to the field and just starting to establish a career. They have the skills and knowledge, but not necessarily the real-world application.
We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships.
Department Overview:
The Development team is responsible for fundraising efforts to maintain current programming and support pilot programming, with portfolios including memberships, planned giving, institutional giving, and individual giving. Beyond fundraising, the Development team also stewards relationships with donors, builds relationships with external partners, and works with other departments to determine funding needs. This role will work with the Institutional Giving team, which encompasses giving made by corporate, foundation, and government organizations.
Environment:
This role will report to the Coordinator, Institutional Giving and work closely with other members of the Institutional Giving team as well as with other members of the Development team. Work will take place onsite at Shedd in the Smith Family Office Suite.
Learning Goals:
  • Learn to conduct prospect research, including where to find relevant information, how to read financial documents and how to qualify or disqualify a prospective funder.
  • Develop skills pertaining to writing grants, including crafting compelling narratives, leveraging data, building proposals from RFPs, using brand-specific language and corresponding with internal contacts for information.
  • Explore the differences between corporate, foundation and government philanthropy.

Responsibilities & Projects:
  • Demonstrate commitment to Shedd's vision, mission and values
  • Conduct prospect research by reviewing financial documents and giving history, following leads, and reporting on findings.
  • Draft and revise compelling material for grant applications, proposals and reports.
  • Gather and utilize stories to provide stewardship updates to current funders.
  • Assist with development of evergreen narratives, including the drafting of materials and requesting feedback from relevant internal contacts.
  • Learn and adopt Shedd's brand voice to be used in communications and written materials.
  • Collaborate with Development team members on a selection of written projects and communications.
  • Assist with regular Institutional Giving operations, including but not limited to taking meeting notes, helping to monitor the Corporate Relations inbox and tracking grant activity in Tessitura CRM.
  • Other projects as assigned

Qualifications:
Fields of Interest:
Interest in grant writing, foundation relations, and/or corporate relations preferred.
Skills/Characteristics:
  • Interest in animals, conservation, education, research and/or science.
  • Ability to take complex information and appropriately transform it for a general audience.
  • Curiosity and a desire to learn.
  • Ability to use critical thinking and research skills to assess organizational alignment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work well independently or in a team setting.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Time management skills.
  • Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED at time of application.

Schedule:
  • This internship will run from 8/31/26-11/20/26.
    • The first day of the internship will be a full day orientation from 9am-5pm. This is required, even if you will not normally be scheduled on Mondays.
  • We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 24 hours per week during this time period, pending business needs and individual performance.
    • Preferred schedule: All weekdays are flexible except for Wednesdays, which are mandatory onsite days for the Development team
    • Set schedule based on intern availability and host department needs.

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at internship@sheddaquarium.org.
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

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