Internship Program
Internships
As an intern at Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest, you will have the opportunity to join our team as we help seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Internship positions are unpaid and available year round, typically in the spring, summer and fall. All internship positions require a minimum 10-week commitment and at least 16 hours per week; full-time positions are available and encouraged. Undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate candidates are encouraged to apply.
Starlight‘s Internship Program strives to meet the following objectives:
• Provide valuable opportunities for academic and professional development within a pre-eminent nonprofit organization.
• Provide young professionals with the opportunity to contribute to the fulfillment of Starlight’s mission through successful completion of independent projects.
• Provide meaningful opportunities for interns to learn and grow in an enjoyable, business casual work environment with staff members that value openness, accountability, professionalism, and fun!
Basic Internship Requirements:
• Must demonstrate fundamental professionalism and a sincere interest in nonprofit administration.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity toward issues stemming from childhood illnesses and a strong commitment to brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families.
• Must possess strong time management skills and the ability to multi-task, which are necessary to excel in Starlight’s goal-oriented work environment.
• Must demonstrate that the internship position for which you are applying relates to your academic field or past work experiences.
• Must demonstrate intermediate or advanced knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficient in general Internet usage, including online research and e-mail skills.
• If selected, all candidates must submit to a national criminal history search.
Application Process:
Please submit a resume and cover letter via e-mail hr@starlightmidwest.org. Indicate specify the title of the internship in the subject line. No phone calls accepted
Program Services Intern
Through a variety of quality of life programs and services, Starlight provides a vital outlet for children and teens who are suffering from the pain, fear, and isolation that is often associated with prolonged illness and hospitalization. Together with the Program Services Manager, the intern will work to coordinate and implement Starlight’s unique programs and services, including our Great Escapes, Fun Centers, and annual toy distributions. While the intern may directly interact with Starlight kids and families at monthly Great Escapes events, the intern will spend the majority of his/her time working in the office alongside staff as we plan and implement these programs.
Special Events Intern
Starlight hosts three major fundraisers and additional outside sponsored events each year, annually raising over $500,000 to support the development and implementation of our programs and services. The intern will work closely with the Development Manager and will play a key role in the development of new events and fundraising initiatives as well as the advancement of existing fundraisers, such as our annual Dream Date Auction and Black-tie Gala. The intern will certainly learn that special event fundraising isn’t just about hosting a good party; it’s about raising awareness and money to support the important work of our foundation. Candidates majoring in Business Administration, Communications, English, Marketing or have comparable work experience are encouraged to apply.
Communications Intern
Starlight’s communications intern will enjoy the unique opportunity to work with multiple departments on a variety of marketing and communication projects. The intern will report to the Development Manager and may also work closely with other department supervisors. The intern will work to create/maintain consistent and effective messaging through print materials, multi-media tools, and Starlight’s website. A successful communications candidate must demonstrate creativity, strong written and verbal communication skills, project management skills, initiative, follow-through, and the ability to work independently. Experience with web design and programming is an added bonus. Candidates majoring in Business Administration, Communications, English, Marketing or have comparable work experience are encouraged to apply.
Accounting Intern
Starlight’s accounting intern will enjoy the opportunity to experience all components of accounting for a small nonprofit—from processing deposits and accounts payable to financial statement analysis and audit preparation. The intern will report to the Executive Director and may also work closely with other department supervisors. The intern will process daily receipts and accounts payable, prepare monthly bank reconciliations and financial statements, prepare budget analysis reports and maintain restricted net assets and other such schedules that aid in the year-end close and audit.
A successful accounting candidate must demonstrate a solid understanding of accounting principles and have strong project management skills, initiative, follow-through, and the ability to work independently. Candidates majoring in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration or having comparable work experience are encouraged to apply.