Interns will focus on development, fundraising, and assisting with all aspects of event management. Interns will gain hands-on experience by helping with fundraising campaigns and special donor member events, including Dallas Zoo’s flagship annual fundraiser, Zoo To Do. Additionally, interns may have the opportunity to learn about donor management systems, volunteer management, and membership programs. Interns will assist with galas, special events, and other donor/member activities, as needed. Working closely with program managers, interns will assist with writing solicitation letters and acknowledgment/thank you letters in a timely manner and help maintain program-specific acknowledgment processes. Ability to think critically about correspondence content and notes for program managers when special messaging or general updates may be necessary. During the semester Interns will also assist with donor and member events; and other events for the Dallas Zoo.

An ideal intern will be a team player, and willing to learn how to interact with board members, major donors, and internal stakeholders.

The intern selected will also learn about: cross-departmental planning and collaboration; planning and analyzing cost-effective events; soliciting monetary and in-kind event contributions; tracking and acknowledging event donations; supervising the Events Coordinator(s); managing event volunteers and committees (frequently including major donors and board members); and coordinating and managing event collateral, sponsors, contractors, vendors, employees, and volunteers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES intern may learn:
• Assisting with the planning and execution of Dallas Zoo fundraising events; donor, member, and prospect cultivation and stewardship events; and other events, as needed.

• Assist the advancement team with all aspects of event production, including food and beverage arrangements, vendor management, and event set up and tear down.
• Collaborate with event fundraising chairs, volunteers, committees, staff, and vendors.

• Regularly communicate with Dallas Zoo leadership, staff, and others.
• Willing to learn and actively use the Zoo’s project management software for event planning, collateral review, etc. Commitment to meeting deadlines is crucial.
• Serve as an “ambassador” of the Zoo.

The Dallas Zoo College Internship Program provides a learning opportunity for currently enrolled undergraduate students at an accredited college/university in the United States. Interns become actively involved in the Zoo's animal care departments, conservation/research efforts, operations, and administrative positions.

Interns will work 20-40 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Each placement is designed to help the intern gain experience related to their education. Most all internship positions are unpaid, and the Zoo does not provide transportation, housing, or a stipend.

All interns will be expected to participate in at least one service-learning project and attend professional development sessions designed especially for Zoo interns.

The Dallas Zoo Volunteer Services Department will work with students/schools to document internship experience needed to gain university/college credit.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be available 20-24 hours per week for up to 12 weeks (dependent on area) including holidays and weekends
Flexible, self-motivated, and a team player
Understand and follow oral and written instructions
Work safely and as instructed around animals, tools, and equipment
Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, and zoo guests
Have good observational skills
Able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders, carry up to 50lbs, and actively work in inclement weather
Have a valid US driver’s license with reliable transportation
Must be otherwise eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of the internship
Pass a background check
Provide a current negative TB test prior to the internship start date
Have some computer knowledge
Bilingual beneficial

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

Must be currently enrolled in a college or university student as a junior, senior, master’s level student, or recent college graduate
Applications accepted within one year after graduation

This is an unpaid internship, and the Zoo does not provide transportation, housing, or stipends.

Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
Spring Internship Start Date: 4 February 2027

Dallas Zoo Management

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