Development Intern - Spring 2026
Chicago, IL
Internship
Student (College)
The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) is hiring a part-time development intern to work 15 hours per week. We are looking for an outgoing, organized, and enthusiastic student who is passionate about fundraising for work that protects the Midwest environment.
LOCATION: This internship is based at ELPC’s headquarters in Chicago, IL with an in-person requirement of at least 4 hours per week on either Tuesday or Wednesday. The remaining weekly work hours may be performed remotely.
DURATION: Early February – mid-June 2026. Exact dates are flexible depending on applicant’s availability.
COMPENSATION: This is a paid internship with a rate of $16.60/hour. However, if a student chooses to avail of course credits for the internship, it will be unpaid.
About ELPC:
The Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy organization. We drive transformational policy changes with national impacts.
We show that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together by putting sustainability principles into practice. We advance climate solutions effectively by accelerating clean renewable energy alternatives to conventional power plants and advancing clean transportation solutions. We protect the Great Lakes and defend the Midwest’s wild and natural places, and we fight for safe, clean water and healthy clean air for all. We combine effective public interest litigation with strategic policy advocacy, sound science, and economic analysis. ELPC produces strong results for the environment in the courtrooms, boardrooms, and legislative hearing rooms across the pivotal Midwest states and in Washington D.C.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Must be currently enrolled in a course of study at a university or community college. The ideal candidate will be very organized, confident in approaching potential sponsors/donors, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and demonstrate a personal interest in environmental issues and nonprofit fundraising.
Special Requirements:
Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required during events.
Application Process:
Please include your resume and a cover letter addressed to Sean McNealy, Foundation Relations Officer.
ELPC’s EEO Statement:
The Environmental Law & Policy Center is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and provides consideration for an employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, genetic predisposition, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
If you are interested in any of our open positions but are unable to apply online due to a disability, please email us at [email protected] with a reference to the specific job(s) you are interested in, and we will be happy to assist you.
LOCATION: This internship is based at ELPC’s headquarters in Chicago, IL with an in-person requirement of at least 4 hours per week on either Tuesday or Wednesday. The remaining weekly work hours may be performed remotely.
DURATION: Early February – mid-June 2026. Exact dates are flexible depending on applicant’s availability.
COMPENSATION: This is a paid internship with a rate of $16.60/hour. However, if a student chooses to avail of course credits for the internship, it will be unpaid.
About ELPC:
The Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy organization. We drive transformational policy changes with national impacts.
We show that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together by putting sustainability principles into practice. We advance climate solutions effectively by accelerating clean renewable energy alternatives to conventional power plants and advancing clean transportation solutions. We protect the Great Lakes and defend the Midwest’s wild and natural places, and we fight for safe, clean water and healthy clean air for all. We combine effective public interest litigation with strategic policy advocacy, sound science, and economic analysis. ELPC produces strong results for the environment in the courtrooms, boardrooms, and legislative hearing rooms across the pivotal Midwest states and in Washington D.C.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in preparing and conducting outreach for ELPC fundraising campaigns.
- Conduct prospect research to identify qualified funder prospects and prepare information to support initial outreach.
- Assist with donor database entry and management, with special attention to details including correct spelling and accurate data.
- Perform a variety of critical administrative tasks for a high-functioning development team.
- Potential for other opportunities based on applicant’s interests and abilities.
Qualifications:
Must be currently enrolled in a course of study at a university or community college. The ideal candidate will be very organized, confident in approaching potential sponsors/donors, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and demonstrate a personal interest in environmental issues and nonprofit fundraising.
Special Requirements:
Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required during events.
Application Process:
Please include your resume and a cover letter addressed to Sean McNealy, Foundation Relations Officer.
ELPC’s EEO Statement:
The Environmental Law & Policy Center is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and provides consideration for an employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, genetic predisposition, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
If you are interested in any of our open positions but are unable to apply online due to a disability, please email us at [email protected] with a reference to the specific job(s) you are interested in, and we will be happy to assist you.
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