Development Intern

REPORTS TO: Associate Director, Donor Engagement; Senior Philanthropy Officer

TERM: June-August 2026 

HOURS: 20-30 hours per week (In-Office)

Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences; engagement with communities to ignite creativity across Chicago; and a modernized Opera House that is the setting for truly great experiences, Lyric is leading the advancement of opera. This collaborative vision will deliver ever more exciting, thought-provoking, and inclusive audience and community experiences – while increasing the gravitational pull of our art form, company, and city. 

The Development Intern will work closely with the Donor Engagement and Leadership Giving teams, assisting with important research projects for Corporate & Foundation support, performing administrative work for the department, and learning about front-line fundraising strategies. In addition, the Development Intern will gain a basic understanding of arts administration, learn about the various aspects of a development department, receive mentorship from team members and participate in essential administrative projects ranging from prospecting and researching corporate and foundation donors, assisting with mailings, preparations for events, electronic and hard copy document filing, and data entry.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Conduct research project comparing donor benefits across nonprofit organizations.
• Assist with identifying prospects and creating profiles for individual donors, corporations, and foundations.
• Contribute to analyzing data from mail, email, and social campaigns.
• Support ongoing data management, ensuring accurate, organized, and up-to-date records.
• Additional projects as needed.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate (preferably rising junior or senior) or graduate degree. 
• One previous internship or office experience is a plus. 
• Must have strong verbal, written, and personal communication skills.
• Ideal candidates will have scrupulous attention to detail and a strong work ethic with sensitivity to confidential information and the ability to work independently as well as within a team.
• Intern projects require adhering to project prioritization and efficiently managing multiple tasks.
• Candidates will have proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and Google Suite products.

WORK CONDITIONS: 

• Sitting for extended periods. 
• Ability to operate a computer and to handle other office equipment. 
• Fast-paced and dynamic environment. 
• Preferred In-Office Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 

COMPENSATION:
 

Job Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt Intern

Hourly Rate: $16.60

Application deadline: March 26, 2026 (5:00pm CT) 

Lyric Opera of Chicago offers intern benefits including professional development and department workshops, complimentary tickets, and other events.

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.