Research Assistant Intern Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for UW-Madison, is hiring an Alumni Engagement and Awards Program Intern for the 2026-2027 academic year!

This internship provides hands-on experience in alumni relations, higher education advancement, program administration, communications, research, and event management. The intern will support a variety of alumni engagement initiatives, with a primary focus on the Wisconsin Alumni Association's Alumni Awards program.

Working closely with the Senior Director, Administrative Programs and other members of the Alumni Relations and Engagement team, the intern will assist with researching prospective award nominees, preparing award and stewardship materials, managing program data, supporting communications efforts, coordinating event logistics, and contributing to special projects that strengthen alumni engagement and recognition.

The intern serves as an ambassador for WFAA and UW-Madison and will have opportunities to interact with alumni, university partners, volunteers, and staff while gaining exposure to nonprofit, advancement, and alumni relations.

Hourly Rate: $16.00/hourHours: Approximately 10-15 hours per week, with the opportunity for additional hours during academic breaks and summer months.Duration: Summer through the 2026-2027 academic year.

What You'll Gain:

• Practical experience in alumni and constituent engagement
• Opportunities to build program and project coordination skills
• Experience conducting research and identifying alumni achievements
• Practice developing professional writing and communications materials
• Exposure to event planning, preparation, and on-site execution
• Insight into stewardship and donor engagement practices
• Familiarity with database, CRM, and information-management systems
• A closer look at nonprofit and higher education administration
• Collaboration with university and advancement professionals

Participate in Team Meetings and Professional Development Opportunities

• Attend team meetings, trainings, and program planning sessions.
• Develop an understanding of WFAA, UW-Madison, and alumni engagement best practices.
• Learn about nonprofit administration, event planning, and alumni relations.

Support the Alumni Awards Program

• Research prospective award nominees using internal and external resources.
• Review news articles, publications, and reports to identify alumni accomplishments and emerging nominees.
• Draft and edit award nomination materials.
• Assist with the preparation of materials for award selection committees.
• Organize recipient information, biographies, itineraries, and event materials.
• Participate in award planning and selection processes.
• Assist with stewardship and recipient communications.

Support Alumni Engagement Programs and Special Projects

• Conduct research and present findings to support engagement initiatives.
• Assist with volunteer, council, and alumni engagement projects.
• Support special projects related to constituent engagement and program operations.
• Collaborate with staff across the Alumni Relations and Engagement division.

Communications and Marketing Support

• Assist with reviewing marketing and promotional materials.
• Help gather and maintain alumni biographical, professional, and social media information.
• Draft correspondence, thank-you notes, stewardship communications, and other program materials.
• Support outreach efforts that promote alumni programs and events.

Data Management and Administrative Support

• Assist with data entry and record maintenance in organizational databases and systems.
• Review, verify, and update constituent information.
• Support reporting, list management, and documentation projects.
• Maintain organized program files and materials.
• Assist with customer service and constituent inquiries as needed.

Event Planning and Execution

• Assist with event planning, preparation, and logistics.
• Prepare name badges, attendee materials, signage, and event collateral.
• Support registration and welcome areas during events.
• Greet and assist event attendees to help create a welcoming experience.
• Assist with event setup, on-site execution, and teardown.

Additional Responsibilities

• Become familiar with WFAA programs and initiatives.
• Provide thoughtful, helpful service to alumni, donors, volunteers, and campus partners.
• Represent UW-Madison and WFAA in a positive and professional way.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in post-secondary degree program.

 Other Qualifications

• Interest in alumni relations, nonprofit organizations, higher education, communications, marketing, public relations, event planning, or related fields.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Experience with customer service, events, student organizations, communications, research, or project coordination is helpful.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and basic database or spreadsheet work.
• This is an active, hands-on role. During event setup and execution, the position will be mostly on-site and may require standing, walking, and moving around for extended periods. Candidates may need to be able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer *The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is the "doing business as" name of the merged organization comprising the University of Wisconsin Foundation (supportuw.org) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (uwalumni.com). Its legal corporate name is registered as the University of Wisconsin Foundation.