About the role#
This internship provides hands-on experience in development, fundraising, and event management. Interns support the advancement team with fundraising campaigns and donor-focused events, including the annual Zoo To Do fundraiser. You will gain exposure to donor management systems, volunteer coordination, and membership programs while working closely with program managers on solicitation and acknowledgment correspondence. This role is designed to provide practical experience in cross-departmental planning, event production, and donor stewardship.
What you'll do#
- Assist with the planning and execution of fundraising, donor, member, and cultivation events.
- Support the advancement team in all aspects of event production, including vendor management, food and beverage arrangements, and event setup or teardown.
- Collaborate with event fundraising chairs, volunteers, committees, staff, and vendors.
- Communicate regularly with Dallas Zoo leadership, staff, and external partners.
- Use project management software to assist with event planning and collateral review.
- Serve as an ambassador for the Dallas Zoo.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as a junior, senior, master’s student, or recent graduate (within one year of graduation) in Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Public Health, or Philosophy.
- Availability of 20-24 hours per week for up to 12 weeks, including holidays and weekends.
- Strong observational skills and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written forms.
- Ability to perform physical tasks, such as standing, walking, and lifting up to 50 pounds, often in inclement weather.
- Valid US driver’s license with reliable transportation.
- Eligibility to work in the U.S., ability to pass a background check, and a current negative TB test.
Location & details#
- Location: Dallas, Texas.
- Term: Fall 2026 (Starting September 22, 2026).
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: This is an unpaid internship. The Dallas Zoo does not provide housing, transportation, or stipends.
About Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo is a non-profit organization based in Dallas that opened in 1888. It operates as the largest zoological experience in Texas. The facility houses over 2,000 animals across 400 species. A team of more than 350 employees and 750 volunteers manages the grounds and animal care. The zoo welcomes over one million guests annually.
How to get in at Dallas Zoo
Securing an internship at the Dallas Zoo requires a proactive approach because these roles are competitive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. Being at the top of the list helps your application stand out to the hiring team. You can also improve your chances by reaching out to the recruiters behind the company's roles directly to ask about the position or a referral, which Intern Insider surfaces to help you connect. This direct outreach often leads to better response rates than submitting a resume into a general queue.
