Development Intern

Description

Organization Overview

Founded in 1985, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a 501(c) (3) tax exempt California nonprofit Corporation that conserves natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. We are a nationally accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance and California Council of Land Trusts. For over 40 years the Land Trust has worked to protect the spectacular landscapes we call home to ensure essential habitats, local food systems, and access to open space for all communities now and for future generations. Several years of tremendous growth and achievement have resulted in the successful conservation of over 58,000 acres, 63 conservation easements, and thousands of residents enjoying the outdoors.

The Opportunity

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is seeking a talented Development Intern to join our dynamic and collaborative team. The Land Trust is growing, with an expanding conservation portfolio and ambitious goals for the future, making this an exciting time to become part of our organization and contribute to our work. This part-time, temporary position will run through the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 school year, with an opportunity to pursue full-time employment during Summer 2027. The intern will report to the Development Coordinator and will work closely with the Development team.

This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit development and administration, including donor relations, database management, gift processing, membership communications, and development operations. It is an excellent opportunity for a student or early-career professional interested in nonprofit development, fundraising, administration, and/or environmental conservation to gain practical experience while becoming part of a growing organization with a strong connection to the Santa Barbara community.

Responsibilities

Database Management

• Use DonorPerfect software to perform data entry and help maintain an accurate, up-to-date donor database.
• Update records related to returned mail from membership renewals, printed newsletters, appeals, and other campaigns.
• Correct inconsistencies, create new records, and update existing donor contact information collected at events and through other outreach.
• Process incoming gifts, including database recording, thank-you/acknowledgment letters, and new-donor welcome packets.
• Assist with database projects, reports, and other development-related data management as needed.

General Membership & Donor Engagement

• Assist with the production and processing of membership and donor mailings, including renewals, stewardship messages, and thank-you letters.
• Make weekly thank-you calls to donors as part of the Land Trust’s donor stewardship program.
• Support special events, outreach activities, and other donor-focused initiatives.
• Assist with organizing donor and membership materials and maintaining development files and records.
• Provide general administrative support to the Development team as needed.

Communications Support

• Assist with gathering stories, photos, and updates from staff to support newsletters, appeals, events, and other communications.
• Assist with email communications, social media, and other content as needed.
• Contribute to campaign materials, event promotions, and other communication assets.
• Support the Development team with other communications projects as needed.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Personal interest in the environmental and conservation mission of the Land Trust and an interest in the natural landscapes of Santa Barbara County.
• Interest in nonprofit development, fundraising, donor relations, administration, and/or environmental conservation as a potential career path.
• Experience with or willingness to learn donor database software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently with creativity, initiative, and follow-through.
• Professional, friendly, and comfortable interacting with donors, volunteers, staff, and members of the community.
• Experience with nonprofit work, fundraising, donor databases, events, or administrative support a plus.
• Experience with social media, creation of short-form videos, basic design tools (e.g., Canva), or storytelling a plus.

Essential Requirements

• Availability for occasional weekend work, including special events.
• Ability to sit at a desk, type, bend, and twist.
• Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is a part-time, temporary, non-exempt position with flexible hours approximately 8-12 hours per week. The hourly rate range is $18-$20/hr. Work is performed on-site at our offices in downtown Santa Barbara with some occasional offsite work within Santa Barbara County.

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.