About the role#
ArchCity Defenders seeks a development intern to assist our team in securing resources to support our legal advocacy and social services. You will help research funding opportunities, manage donor relationships, and handle administrative tasks. This role is for those interested in racial and economic justice who want to gain experience in nonprofit fundraising and grant writing.
What you'll do#
- Brainstorm communication ideas and write stories for marketing and events.
- Research and prepare materials for grant applications.
- Identify potential donor sources, small business partners, and corporate champions.
- Update and maintain the development database using Blackbaud.
- Nurture relationships with individual and corporate donors.
- Summarize weekly progress for the Director of Development.
- Attend team meetings and collaborate on development initiatives.
- Handle administrative duties as assigned.
What you'll need#
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM software.
- An outgoing personality and interest in building connections with stakeholders.
- Basic administrative skills and the ability to work independently to meet deadlines.
- Commitment to the mission of racial and economic justice.
- Cultural awareness and an understanding of power, privilege, and oppression.
- Experience with events or fundraising is helpful but not required.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid internship for Summer 2027 based in St. Louis, Missouri.
- The role is on-site at our office. Work hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- The internship runs from June 1 to July 30, 2027, with a mandatory in-person orientation from June 1 to June 4.
- Interns may not engage in other internships simultaneously while working with us.
About ArchCity Defenders
ArchCity Defenders is a legal advocacy organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2009, the group provides civil and criminal legal representation alongside social services. It focuses on addressing the criminalization of poverty and state violence in communities of color. The organization employs a holistic model that integrates legal work with policy and media advocacy.
How to get in at ArchCity Defenders
Applying to ArchCity Defenders requires a clear understanding of their focus on civil rights and systemic advocacy. Because roles in public interest law are competitive, Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a position is published so you can apply among the first. Getting your application in early ensures your materials are reviewed before the volume of candidates grows too large. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind these roles to reach out directly. Asking a thoughtful question about the organization or requesting a referral often improves your response rate compared to submitting a cold application through a general queue.
