Conservation Fundraising Campaign Internship - Fall 2024
Description
Conservation Fundraising Campaign Internship
The Dallas Zoo seeks interns to assist in a leadership role in planning and implementing strategies geared toward a conservation fundraising campaign.
The internship will primarily involve working with a group of interns to organize and implement fundraising initiatives focused on endangered species. The intern will play an integral role in helping to plan and implement a series of conservation events that will include guest engagement and fundraising components.
Core functions involve assisting with the planning, logistics, and execution of conservation-themed events. The intern will learn how to represent the Dallas Zoo in a wide variety of public activities while gaining experience in non-profit community engagement, event planning, building relationships, networking, and coordinate with community partners, database management, and communications. Some evening and weekend work will be required.
During the semester, there will be activation/fundraising events designated for endangered species. This initiative will require the interns to be available during the activation. There will be on and (possibly) off-site locations where interns will be required to shadow staff in order to learn how to effectively operate conservation engagement tables. Creative critical thinking and efficient use of time is a necessary proficiency.
Interns will also have a chance to develop their leadership skills as they plan, organize, and lead committee meetings prior to activation events. They will facilitate the construction of the overall theme designed around endangered species and the key conservation messaging points that will be developed and utilized to engage the public.
The ideal candidate is a highly-motivated individual looking to expand their knowledge of conservation and engagement programs in a community setting.
The Dallas Zoo College Internship Program provides a learning opportunity for currently enrolled undergraduate students at an accredited college/university in the United States. Interns become actively involved in the Zoo's animal care departments, conservation/research efforts, operations, and administrative positions.
Interns will work 20-40 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Each placement is designed to help the intern gain experience related to their education. Most all internship positions are unpaid and the Zoo does not provide transportation, housing, or a stipend.
All interns will be required to complete an education project, participate in at least one service-learning project, and attend professional development sessions designed especially for Zoo interns.
The Dallas Zoo Volunteer Services Department will work with students/schools to document internship experience needed to gain university/college credit.