Development Intern
Development Intern - 2025-2026 Academic Year
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) was founded over 125 years ago, performing its first concert at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Music Hall in 1896. Today, the PSO is one of the finest, most acclaimed orchestras in the world, having toured and recorded extensively throughout its history and boasts of multiple GRAMMY nominations and wins. It also owns and operates Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, a historic movie theater which in 1971 became home to the PSO and formed the cornerstone of what is now Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. In 2008-2009, Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck became the PSO’s ninth music director following in the luminous footsteps of Victor Herbert, Fritz Reiner, William Steinberg, André Previn, and Lorin Maazel, among others. In addition to presenting more than 100 performances each year at Heinz Hall, both with and without the Orchestra, PSO boasts award-winning Learning & Engagement programs that reach more than 30,000 youth and adults each year in and around the Western Pennsylvania region.
JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE:
- The Development Intern supports the PSO’s Development Department in fundraising activities, donor relations, and administrative functions that sustain the orchestra's artistic mission through the Annual Fund. This position offers hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising within the performing arts sector and provides exposure to all aspects of institutional advancement.
- Reports to: Senior Manager of Donor Engagement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Key project areas include donor stewardship, special events, database management, and proposal generation. Additional responsibilities include:
- Conduct donor and prospect research using online databases and public resources.
- Develop fundraising materials such as case statements, donor communications, and impact reports.
- Support special events planning and execution including logistics coordination and day-of-event assistance.
- Help plan VIP experiences for major donors including backstage tours and artist meet-and-greets.
- Maintain and update donor account information and records in Tessitura.
- Other duties/projects as assigned.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this internship, the intern will have gained:
- Understanding of nonprofit fundraising principles and best practices.
- Experience with donor cultivation and stewardship strategies.
- Knowledge of grant writing and proposal development processes.
- Familiarity with special events planning and execution.
- Skills in database management and donor research through iWave and Tessitura.
The ideal candidate must possess the ability to work independently in both remote and office environments, as well as function as part of a collaborative fundraising team. Other requirements include:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, preferably in nonprofit management, arts administration, communications, or related field.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Knowledge of databases preferred but not required.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
- Professional demeanor and ability to interact effectively with Symphony patrons.
This is an unpaid position, but the intern may qualify for pay through Federal Community Service Work Study.