Job Description
Role Title: Fundraising Summer Youth Intern Compensation: $3,640, paid in two equal installments on July 15 and August 31, 2026. This position is fully supported by the Illinois Arts Council through the Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) Grant, which provides funding to arts organizations to create meaningful employment opportunities for youth (ages 14–22) in both administrative and artistic roles. Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid / In-person for Chicago events) Application Deadline: May 28, 2026 Internship Term: May 31 - August 31 2026 Time Commitment: 15-18 hours per week To Apply : please send the following to All emails subject titles should be formatted as “Fundraising Summer Youth Intern - First Name, Last Name” Cover Letter CV or Resume Optional, but we recommend including past work samples (such as writing samples, project contributions, or any relevant work that demonstrates your skills and experience). Applications that fail to follow the instructions listed in the To Apply section _ outlined above will not be reviewed. _ About Àkójọpọ: is an international arts organization dedicated to promoting and integrating Pan-African music globally, celebrating its cultural richness and significance across diverse communities and diasporas. Through our concerts, e-commerce marketplace, and arts administration initiatives, we empower Pan-African art music communities and raise global awareness to celebrate the diverse heritage of African and Afro-diasporic music worldwide. You can learn more about our story . RoleDescription/Responsibilities: We are seeking a highly disciplined, proactive, and community-oriented Fundraising Summer Youth Intern to support the growth of Àkójọpọ’s donor base. This role is designed for someone interested in fundraising, nonprofit development, and arts-based community building. The intern will work closely with the team to support donor outreach, engagement, and cultivation efforts that help expand and sustain Àkójọpọ’s community of supporters. Key Responsibilities: This role focuses on both expanding and managing Àkójọpọ’s donor community. Responsibilities include: Support efforts to grow the donor base through outreach, research, and engagement strategies Assist in identifying and researching prospective donors, partners, and funding opportunities Help develop and execute donor engagement strategies to strengthen retention and long-term support Support planning and execution of donor-focused events (concerts, receptions, workshops), including guest coordination and in-person event support Maintain and update donor records to ensure accuracy and consistency in tracking engagement and contributions Assist in preparing donor communications, impact updates, and fundraising materials Support fundraising campaigns, including donor outreach and tracking engagement progress Organize donor data to help inform fundraising strategy and organizational growth Qualifications: Must be based in Chicago, IL Must be between the ages of 14–22 Must be currently enrolled in a Chicago-based high school or college/university Must be able to attend in-person concert and event programming over the summer Strong interest in fundraising, nonprofit development, or arts administration Passion for Pan-African music, culture, and community engagement Strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to take initiative Proficiency with Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive) and basic administrative tools Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to work independently and problem-solve effectively Previous experience in fundraising, sales, nonprofit work, or community engagement is a plus Interest in the arts and cultural sector strongly encouraged Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL