Summer Intern - Donor Relations

Experience GuideStone!

We are an innovative organization that invests in the spiritual, relational, financial, physical and professional development of our employees. We have a culture that values excellence, teamwork, humility, integrity, compassion and stewardship.

What We Offer You!

We offer employees a generous benefits package, flexible work schedules, the opportunity to be involved in community outreach and tuition reimbursement.

The primary purpose of this summer internship is to provide a college student or recent graduate with meaningful, supervised experience in nonprofit donor relations while supporting the Mission:Dignity Donor Relations Team. TheSummer Intern, Donor Relations will help communicate the story of Mission:Dignity, assist with donor stewardship and outreach, maintain accurate donor information, and support special projects and events. Assignments will emphasize learning, professional development, teamwork, and practical exposure to fundraising operations. We serve those that serve the Lord with the integrity of our hearts and the skillfulness of our hands. (Psalm 78:72)

What You'll Do:

Donor Support & Learning: 

• Assist with donor stewardship activities, including thank-you calls, emails, letters, and other follow-up communications. 

• Support entry-level projects related to donor acquisition, retention, and recapture under the direction of the Manager, Donor Relations. 

• Learn to communicate the story and impact of Mission:Dignity clearly and confidently in conversations and small-group settings. 

• Conduct basic donor and prospect research and organize findings for staff review. 

• Participate in coaching, team meetings, and learning opportunities related to nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement.
  

Communication & Outreach: 

• Assist in representing GuideStone and Mission:Dignity through professional phone, email, and written communication with donors and prospects under supervision. 

• Help prepare donor correspondence, stewardship materials, presentations, and outreach resources. 

• Support advocacy and awareness efforts for retired ministers, missionaries, workers, and their widows in financial need. 

• Assist with donor events, meetings, and Southern Baptist gatherings, including preparation, hospitality, and follow-up. 

• Contribute to shared team goals through dependable communication, collaboration, and a willingness to learn.
  

Data Management & Administration: 

• Enter and update donor and prospect information in the donor software database with accuracy and confidentiality. 

• Assist with organizing records, action items, correspondence, reports, and other donor-related documentation. 

• Use donor software, analytics, and other resources under guidance to learn about relationship history and giving patterns. 

• Prepare and assemble materials for donor meetings, events, mailings, and special projects. 

• Help track project progress and maintain organized digital and physical files. 

• Represent and serve GuideStone with integrity in furtherance of its mission and values. 

• Complete other internship projects and duties assigned by the Director of Mission:Dignity or Manager, Donor Relations. 

What You'll Need:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, or a recent graduate; fields related to nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business, ministry, or a similar area are preferred. 

• Prior fundraising experience is not required; customer service, administrative, ministry, volunteer, or campus leadership experience is helpful. 

• Interest in donor relations, nonprofit fundraising, ministry, or mission-driven service. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with willingness to learn GuideStone systems and donor software. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage respectfully with people from varied backgrounds. 

• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills. 

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines. 

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team under close supervision. 

• Dependable attendance and availability for the established summer internship schedule. 

• Ability to maintain complete confidentiality regarding donor information and GuideStone business matters. 

• Basic familiarity with SBC life, polity, or history is helpful but not required. 

• Occasional local travel or event support may be required; any travel will be coordinated with the Manager, Donor Relations. 

• Ability to lift and transport presentation materials or event supplies, with reasonable accommodation as needed. 

• Commitment to quality service, personal integrity, and GuideStone's Christ-centered mission and values. 
  

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