Public Programs Intern Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Philanthropy Intern (For-Credit Opportunity)

WHO WE ARE…

Newport Mental Health (NMH) is a progressive high-energy organization that uses state of the art person-centered recovery approach to help individuals recover from mental illness and substance use disorders. NMH extends its trauma informed evidence-based services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Our services vary from outreach, specialized programs, mental health, school-based therapy, substance use therapy, community-based therapy, and outpatient. 

For more information visit our website: www.newportmentalhealth.org

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR…

Mission- Aligned: You are excited to be a part of Newport Mental Health’s mission to improve the lives of our clients living and working in Newport County by providing the highest quality of care. 

Ally: You intentionally foster belonging, personal growth, and empowerment for all. You are a strong advocate for the BIPOC, LQBTQIA+, Woman, Veteran, and other underrepresented communities. 

Solution Orientated: You are driven to think of different approaches to narrow the gap which leads to positive and effective changes. 

Time Management: You are a conscious planner and a thoughtful decision maker who adheres to deadlines. 

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING (ESSENTIAL DUTIES) …

Newport Mental Health, a leading community mental health organization committed to transforming lives and fostering well-being, is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Philanthropy Intern to join our Philanthropy Department. This internship provides a hands-on learning experience supporting donor engagement, fundraising, community partnerships, and philanthropic initiatives.

The Philanthropy Intern will gain practical experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor stewardship, event planning, community outreach, and relationship management while contributing to the sustainability of a mission-driven organization. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn how philanthropy supports behavioral health services and strengthens community impact.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with donor stewardship initiatives, including preparing acknowledgment letters, impact reports, and donor recognition materials 
• Support fundraising events by assisting with planning, logistics, volunteer coordination, sponsorship outreach, and event-day operations 
• Research prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors to support fundraising strategies 
• Assist with community outreach by identifying partnership opportunities with local businesses, civic organizations, schools, and community groups
• Support the development of marketing materials, presentations, newsletters, and social media content that highlight the organization's mission and community impact 
• Assist with maintaining donor records, event tracking, and other administrative tasks within the organization's fundraising database

Learning Outcomes: 

•  Develop leadership, professional communication, and relationship-building skills within a nonprofit behavioral health organization  
• Gain experience in nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, donor stewardship, and community engagement 
• Learn how fundraising events, donor communications, and community partnerships support organizational sustainability 
• Build an understanding of nonprofit operations, strategic planning, and behavioral health services

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail 
• Interest in behavioral health, public health, nonprofit management, philanthropy, fundraising, or related fields  
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines  
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively  
• Cultural humility, professionalism, and commitment to confidentiality 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace; familiarity with donor databases, Canva, or social media platforms is a plus

Education and Experience:

•  Enrolled in a university or college program (junior or senior level preferred) in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, public relations, public health, behavioral sciences, human services, business, or a related field

Preferred but not required: 

•  Experience working with vulnerable populations 
•  Research or academic writing experience 
•  Customer service, fundraising, or administrative experience

Additional Requirements:

• Access to reliable transportation if required for on-site activities 
• Access to secure video conferencing and/or phone capabilities for remote work 
• Background check may be required

Training, mentorship, and supervision will be provided throughout the internship.

APPLY NOW

Submitting your application is a great way to learn more about Newport Mental Health. If you have questions about how your experience aligns with our job openings or know someone who would be a great candidate for our job openings, please contact Human Resources: 

Human Resources

Newport Mental Health

42 Valley Road

Middletown, RI 02842

Tel: 401-846-1213

Fax: 401-324-6251

Newport Mental Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.