Fall 2026 Development Internship

About the organization

ArchCity Defenders (ACD) is a holistic legal advocacy organization that combats the criminalization of poverty and state violence, especially in communities of color. ACD’s foundation of civil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy and media advocacy, and community collaboration achieves and inspires justice and equitable outcomes for people throughout the St. Louis region and beyond.

ArchCity Defenders envisions a society liberated from systems of oppression where the promise of justice and racial equity is realized; communities where our approach to public safety prioritizes investment in well-being, health, and transformation without relying on criminalization and incarceration; and people living freely in their communities, thriving regardless of their race or income.

ACD’s Development team educates the community and donors about the organization's mission, initiatives, and services; advocates for issues important to our client community; supports the work of ACD’s staff by providing monetary, in-kind, and volunteer resources; coordinates with local, national, and international funders; and supports the work of ACD’s Communications team.

Responsibilities

• Brainstorm fresh and innovative communication ideas.
• Write engaging stories and materials for events and marketing efforts.
• Update the development database using Blackbaud.
• Research and create compelling materials for grant applications and funding opportunities.
• Discover and nurture relationships with potential individual and corporate donors.
• Summarize weekly achievements and progress for the Director of Development.
• Identify potential donor sources, small business partners, mission-aligned celebrities, and corporate champions.
• Attend development update meetings to collaborate and share insights.
• Support the mission of ACD and collaborate with the team to achieve it.
• Embrace challenges to help the Development team thrive.
• Perform any other duties as assigned to support the Development team.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM (experience with new systems is a plus).
• Interest or experience in developing relationships with businesses and individuals.
• Outgoing personality and ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Basic administrative skills with a willingness to expand your skill set.
• Event or fundraiser experience is a plus, but not required.
• Ability to tackle challenges, work independently, and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to adapt to ACD’s evolving needs.
• Commitment to the mission of racial and economic justice and systems change.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity toward diverse populations, with an understanding of structures of power, privilege, and oppression.

Schedule

Fall 2026 interns and practicum students must be available to work part-time for 8-12 weeks. This duration may vary to meet the needs of students and ACD staff.

Interns are required to work in-person at the new office at 5939 Goodfellow, though this plan is subject to change to remote work due to public health requirements, work expectations, or school-related policies.

Due to potential conflicts of interest, ACD cannot accept interns or practicum students who are simultaneously engaged in more than one internship.