Organizational Overview 

The Massachusetts Public Health Alliance (MPHA) is a champion for public health in the Commonwealth. We are a catalyst for change, eliminating health inequities and promoting healthy communities for all. As a statewide organization, MPHA engages local leaders, state organizations, public officials, and others to improve the health of all the Commonwealth’s residents. MPHA uses an effective combination of advocacy, education, community organizing, policy development, and coalition leadership to secure investments in public health, promote health equity, and bolster our public health infrastructure. In all our work, we seek to improve the social conditions in neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces that have an impact on health and to listen to the voices and priorities of communities most impacted by health inequities. 

Promoting racial justice is a core component of MPHA’s work and identity. As MPHA pursues policy changes to promote health equity, we strive to confront the history of systemic racism and other forms of oppression that have been embedded in public policy. MPHA’s Health Equity Policy Framework guides our external work and internal practices in addressing all forms of health inequities. The framework places special emphasis on racial inequities because we believe that this injustice needs explicit attention. 

MPHA online: 

• Website: www.mapublichealth.org 

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MAPublicHealth 

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mapublichealth 

• Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/mapublichealth.org 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mapublichealth

About the Internship 

MPHA is seeking a Development Intern for the Spring 2027 semester to support the organization’s fundraising and development work. 

This is a paid, hands-on professional development opportunity for an undergraduate or graduate student interested in nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, public health, social justice, public policy, or mission-driven organizations. 

The Development Intern will work closely with MPHA’s Development Manager and have exposure to multiple areas of nonprofit fundraising, including fundraising events, development communications, and development operations, individual giving, major donor engagement, prospect research, and donor stewardship. 

This position is designed to provide meaningful experience and opportunities to develop practical skills that can be applied to a future career in nonprofit development and philanthropy. 

Student Intern Roles and Responsibilities 

The Development Intern will play an important role in supporting MPHA’s fundraising and development activities, with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in individual giving, major donor engagement, fundraising campaigns, events, and nonprofit development systems. Student interns may act as the lead on one or more projects over the course of the semester, to be determined based on matching student interest and skills with organizational need. In addition, students will play a support role on other projects, working closely with MPHA development staff.  

Projects and responsibilities may include (depending upon the selected candidate’s interests and time): 

  Fundraising Events & Campaigns 

• Support planning and execution of MPHA fundraising events and campaigns. 

• Assist with event invitations, RSVPs, guest lists, sponsorships, and ads.  

• Assist with donor communications, and follow-up post-event, which may include work with the MPHA board as needed.  

• Support logistics for MPHA’s flagship Spring Awards Breakfast and other fundraising events. 

• Assist with donor engagement and stewardship surrounding fundraising events. 

• Support MPHA’s annual fundraising initiatives and special campaigns, including digital and direct outreach. 

Individual Giving & Major Donor Support 

• Support prospect research and tracking for MPHA’s major donor efforts. 

• Assist with donor stewardship and cultivation activities, including preparing donor communications and follow-up. 

• Support individual giving campaigns and donor outreach. 

• Assist with tracking donor outreach, follow-up, and next steps. 

• Support research and preparation for donor meetings and cultivation opportunities 

 Development Systems & Administrative Support 

• Assist with maintaining accurate donor and prospect information in MPHA’s CRM, Neon CRM. 

• Support gift acknowledgments, donor records, and stewardship tracking. 

• Assist with data entry, prospect tracking, and development files. 

• Support basic research and tracking of fundraising and donor engagement metrics. 

Desired Skills and Qualifications 

Required: 

• Strong interest in nonprofit organizations, fundraising, philanthropy, public health, public policy, social justice, or a related field. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines. 

• Ability to work independently while also collaborating with a small team. 

• Interest in learning about nonprofit development and fundraising. 

Preferred, but not required: 

• Coursework or experience in nonprofit management, public health, political science, communications, business, social work, public policy, or a related field. 

• Previous nonprofit, volunteer, fundraising, event planning, research, or administrative experience. 

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, or CRM/database systems. 

We do not expect applicants to have previous fundraising experience. We are interested in students who are curious, organized, thoughtful, and excited to learn. 

Schedule  

• Spring 2027 semester: January–May 2027 

• 16–20 hours per week 

• Hybrid position 

• Undergraduate students: $20/hour 

• Graduate students: $22/hour 

• Academic credit may be pursued where applicable but is not required. 

Commitment and Compensation 

This is a semester long internship starting in January 2027 and ending in May 2027. We are flexible about specific start and end dates depending on the selected candidate’s academic schedule. The weekly time commitment is 16-20 hours.   

We encourage all student interns to seek funding from their educational institution or other sources. For student interns without outside funding, MPHA will pay a stipend of up to $5500 per semester at a rate of up to $22 per hour for graduate students and $20 per hour for undergraduate (less if students have partial funding from other sources).   

MPHA is not able to provide student interns with a computer. Student interns will be expected to use their own laptop.  

Location 

Student interns must be based in Massachusetts for the duration of the internship and must be able to travel to Boston from time to time as needed. Currently, all MPHA staff and interns are working primarily remotely and travelling to the office two days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Student interns based outside of Greater Boston may be allowed to work primarily remotely, though some travel to Boston for events (e.g. fundraising events, rallies, press conferences, public hearings, etc.) will be required.

Application Process 

Application Deadlines 

• Applications will be accepted between September 16, 2026, and October 16, 2026  

• Select candidates will be invited to interview by October 23, 2026 

• We expect to make a final offer the week of November 13, or sooner.   

How to Apply 

Using the application form link, send a cover letter, & resume.