Chicago, Illinois, United States · Unpaid Internship

This internship supports the Volunteer Program team at Make-A-Wish Illinois and offers interns a well-rounded understanding of our volunteer life cycle: recruitment, onboarding, assignment, engagement/recognition, and retirement. The Volunteer Program Intern will assist with maintaining accurate volunteer records, assigning volunteers to wish and event opportunities, and supporting volunteer initiatives led by the Operations department. This role provides valuable insight into how volunteers are integrated into the mission of the Foundation. 

Daily responsibilities may include:

• Recruiting volunteers, focusing on high-need areas across the state of Illinois
• Calling, emailing, and/or texting volunteers
• Publishing available volunteer opportunities
• Assigning volunteers to wishes
• Maintaining volunteer contacts in Salesforce
• Entering various wish and volunteer role-related data into Salesforce
• Assisting with recognition and engagement programs 
• Providing on-site volunteer management support at events
• Mailing cards and welcome kits to volunteers
• Additional duties as assigned

Time Commitment: 15 hours per week (hybrid work experience), including at least one weekly in-office working day on Thursdays. The cycle runs from June 4th, 2026, through August 6th, 2026. Official start date is on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, with mandatory in-person intern orientation at 9:30am.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Desire to contribute to the mission of Make-A-Wish

Preferred Qualifications:

Coursework in Non-Profit Management, Business, Data Analytics, Marketing, Communications, and/or Hospitality

Additional Requirements:

• Must be currently enrolled in a college or university academic program
• Must be able to commute to our downtown Chicago office located at 200 W Monroe St, Suite 1801 Chicago, IL 60606 and be onsite weekly on Thursdays
• Minimum age for all internships is 18
• Selected candidates will be asked to participate in a criminal background check

Benefits

An internship at Make-A-Wish Illinois provides a unique opportunity to see how a renowned nonprofit organization runs from the inside. In addition to the learning opportunities outlined in the internship description, interns also have the opportunity to:

• Participate in connection sessions with each member of our executive leadership team
• Participate in skill-building workshops and check-ins lead by Human Resources
• Build working relationships cross-departmentally with staff and fellow interns 
• Contribute to our mission of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses
• Receive recognition from supervisor(s) and staff during cycle closeout celebration