Development Events Intern

I.  BASIC FUNCTION OR PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Development Events Intern provides project, administrative and on-site support for multiple donor cultivation, stewardship and fundraising events planned in the first 6 months of 2027. Working full-time (24-32 hours per week) primarily with the Senior Manager, Donor Relations and Events, the Devepment Assistant, and Director of Individual Giving, the intern assists delivery of welcoming, well-organized experiences that deepen donors' and prospective donors' connection to POST and its mission

The position supports events from early planning through post-event follow-up, including hikes, tours, receptions, dinners, campaign celebrations, and other donor engagement and stewardship opportunities. The intern may also provide flexible project support for other Development priorities as assigned. This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, events and cross-team collaboration.

II.  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THIS JOB

• Supports planning and execution for multiple Development events scheduled during calendar year 2027, helping maintain event workplans, timelines, checklists, calendars and shared files.
• Assists with event logistics, including venue and site details, catering and refreshments, equipment, transportation, accessibility needs, event supplies, and vendor coordination as assigned.
• Prepares guest-facing and staff materials such as invitations, confirmation and reminder messages, directions, guest lists, briefing materials, check-in lists, nametags, signage, seating information and event packets.
• Supports invitation and registration processes by monitoring responses, responding or routing guest questions, recording dietary and accessibility needs, and helping ensure timely and welcoming communications.
• Creates and updates Salesforce campaign records and campaign-member data; tracks invitations, responses, attendance and follow-up; produces and reviews lists, reports and Dashboards; and helps reconcile event records for completeness and accuracy.
• Provides on-site support at events, including transporting materials, setup, guest check-in, wayfinding, hospitality, staff and volunteer coordination, troubleshooting, breakdown and return of supplies.
• Assists with donor hikes, tours and other outdoor events on POST-protected lands, helping the team prepare for weather, terrain, guest needs and site-specific logistics.
• Research potential event vendors, assists with processing invoices promptly and follows up to confirm payment.
• Completes post-event activities, including attendance updates, notes and follow-up tasks in Salesforce; thank-you communications; survey or feedback support; photo organization; invoice and receipt collection; supply inventory; and debrief notes.
• Helps assemble, organize and maintain event materials (9ncluding ready-to-go event supply boxes), and Development team storage inventories so supplies are accurate, accessible and ready for future events and projects.
• Coordinates with Development, Marketing, Land and other POST colleagues on event supplies, to gather event information, meet deadlines and provide a consistent guest experience.
• Applies an inclusion and accessibility lens to event planning and implementation, including consideration of mobility, transportation, dietary, language and other guest needs.
• Handles donor and prospect information with care, discretion and confidentiality and follows POST procedures for accurate data management.
• Provides other Development team support as assigned, such as writing handwritten donor thank-you notes, preparing acknowledgment or stewardship mailings, assembling donor packets, entering and checking data, taking meeting notes, tracking campaigns and related activities in Salesforce, and supporting short-term special projects.
• Works in alignment with POST's organizational values and commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture.

III.  KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS JOB

• Interest in nonprofit fundraising, donor engagement, events, conservation and POST's mission.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to track details, prioritize assignments and support several events or projects at the same time.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, timely work, particularly when managing guest information and database records.
• Clear, professional and welcoming written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills and the ability to interact respectfully with donors, guests, volunteers, vendors and colleagues from a variety of backgrounds, ages and identities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively; take direction; ask questions; exercise sound judgment; and adapt when schedules, priorities or event needs change.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, and willingness to learn other cloud-based systems and project-management tools.
• Experience with Salesforce or another constituent relationship management database is helpful but not required; comfort learning data-entry, campaign-tracking, and reporting procedures is required.
• Discretion and good judgment in handling confidential donor and organizational information.
• Availability for scheduled evening and weekend events and occasional travel to event locations throughout POST's service area.
• A valid California driver's license and insurable driving record.
• Relevant professional, volunteer, academic or personal experience in events, hospitality, communications, fundraising, administration or customer service is preferred. Equivalent combinations of experience and education will be considered.

VI.  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires regular and accurate communication with others and the ability to complete tasks using a computer, telephone, email, web and video technology.
• Requires mobility to work in a standard office setting and at indoor and outdoor event locations; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, by telephone and by video call.
• Requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events and to lift, carry and move event equipment and supplies weighing up to 25  pounds.
• Requires the ability to travel to and drive to event locations, including remote sites, and may require driving a POST-owned vehicle.
• Some events require traversing uneven, rough or steep terrain and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Requires occasional early-morning, evening and weekend work based on the 2027 event calendar.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable an individual to perform the essential functions of the position.

If you would like to apply: 

Please submit your resume with a cover letter explaining your interest in POST and your dates of availability. Make sure to address any pertinent experience, including professional and personal experience, that is relevant to this position.

Pay and benefits: 

This is a temporary position and carries no discretionary benefits except for state mandated sick leave. Exact timing and scheduling can be flexible to accommodate the appropriate candidate. Pay is $25.00 per hour. POST’s office is located in downtown Palo Alto near public transportation, and we will provide a Caltrain Go Pass if needed.

POST’s Core Values: 

Nature Connects Us All: We believe that we are part of an interconnected web of life and that diversity of all types creates strength and resilience. In our work, we strive to protect and heal the ecosystems that support our collective well-being.

Act Today for the Long-Term: We take action today in ways that support our bold, long-term vision. We accept and balance the tension between the present and the future while staying true to our purpose.

Commit to Learning and Growth: We are creative, curious and courageous in our approaches and willing to change course when necessary. We learn from our successes and mistakes.

Care About How We Work: We believe all living things should be treated with dignity. We acknowledge the many injustices against people and nature. We are dedicated to strive for equity in our actions.

Honor Our Collective Strengths: We have the most positive impact when we work together toward a shared vision. We catalyze, collaborate and complement to support the best outcomes for all.

POST is an equal opportunity employer. We believe diversity and equity is central to our mission to protect open space in our region for the benefit of all. We are committed to creating an inclusive, values-driven workplace where all employees can thrive. Come join us!