Bellarmine Summer Fellows Internship - Public Affairs & Development Intern - 211LA

Basic information

Employer

Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts

Job description

(Must be currently enrolled in BCLA during Summer 2027 to apply)

The BCLA Summer Internship Program aims to secure meaningful internship placements for students across a variety of sectors, including small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures.

The internship below is offered in partnership with a supporting organization that is excited to invest in and support an LMU student like you. If this opportunity aligns with your career interests and goals, we encourage you to take advantage of it and apply.

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• Position Title: Public Affairs & Development Intern
• Organization: 211 LA
  Location: Remote, Los Angeles County, California
• Job Type: BCLA Summer Internship
• Number of Positions: 1 Intern
  Academic Level: Incoming Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Master's (in Fall 2027)
  College: Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
• Hours: Part-time, flexible schedule to be determined in coordination with the selected intern
• Duration: Scheduled between May 18 and August 13 of Summer 2027
• Compensation: $4,500 stipend and course credit, as applicable upon completing 240 hours in at least 8-10 weeks.

About 211 LA

211 LA is an independent nonprofit organization that has served Los Angeles County for more than 45 years, connecting individuals and families to essential health, human, and social services through its 24/7 multilingual information and referral network.

Through partnerships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based providers, 211 LA helps residents navigate complex service systems, access critical resources, and receive support during everyday challenges and times of crisis.

Learn more: www.211la.org

Position Overview

211 LA is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious intern to support its Public Affairs & Development Department during Summer 2027. 211 LA is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting individuals and families throughout Los Angeles County with essential health, human, and social services.

This internship offers hands-on experience at the intersection of public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, nonprofit development, and philanthropy. The intern will contribute to projects that strengthen 211 LA's public visibility, advance strategic partnerships, support government and community engagement, and identify new philanthropic and funding opportunities.

Working under the direction of the Senior Director of Public Affairs & Development, with day-to-day guidance from the Communications Director, the intern will gain exposure to nonprofit leadership, public policy, organizational communications, and resource development.

This opportunity is ideal for students interested in public service, government relations, nonprofit organizations, communications, public policy, fundraising, and community impact.

Key Responsibilities

Public Affairs & Government Relations

Monitor and research local, state, and federal policy developments, legislation, government initiatives, and news affecting 211 LA and the communities it serves.

Research issues related to health and human services, housing and homelessness, disaster preparedness and recovery, aging, disability services, and community well-being.

Prepare policy summaries, background briefs, talking points, stakeholder profiles, and meeting materials.

Research elected officials, government agencies, community organizations, and potential strategic partners.

Identify and track relevant legislative developments, public meetings, conferences, and community engagement opportunities.

Assist with preparing materials for organizational announcements, public engagements, community events, and partnership initiatives.

Development & Philanthropic Research

• Identify potential funding opportunities from private foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other philanthropic institutions.
• Research grant eligibility, funding priorities, application requirements, deadlines, and potential award amounts.
• Develop and maintain grant prospect trackers and prepare summaries of funding opportunities aligned with 211 LA's programs and priorities.
• Research prospective corporate sponsors, philanthropic partners, and institutional funders to identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Compile organizational background information, program details, impact data, and supporting materials for grant proposals and fundraising initiatives.
• Monitor philanthropic trends, grant announcements, and emerging funding opportunities.
• Explore the use of AI tools to support research, tracking, and organizational development activities.

Communications & Organizational Support

• Assist with drafting, editing, and proofreading organizational updates, program summaries, stakeholder correspondence, and outreach materials.
• Support research and content development for communications campaigns, public awareness initiatives, and organizational storytelling.
• Identify compelling program accomplishments, community impact stories, and relevant data that demonstrate 211 LA's value to stakeholders and funders.
• Collaborate with staff on special projects, presentations, community engagement activities, and departmental priorities.

Preferred Interests & Skills

• Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Excellent professional writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to evaluate information from multiple sources and translate findings into clear, concise summaries.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while collaborating effectively with a team.
• Interest in public affairs, nonprofit organizations, communications, public policy, government relations, philanthropy, or community engagement.
• Experience with research, presentations, communications projects, or grant research is a plus.
• Familiarity with Canva, research databases, media monitoring tools, or project management platforms is desirable.

Relevant Academic Backgrounds

Students majoring in:

• Political Science
• Public Policy
• Public Relations
• Journalism
• Nonprofit Management
• Marketing
• English
• Sociology
• Other related liberal arts disciplines

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, the student will:

• Develop professional research and writing skills through policy analysis, stakeholder research, briefing materials, and organizational communications.
• Gain exposure to government relations and public affairs, including how nonprofit organizations engage elected officials, public agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Understand nonprofit fundraising and philanthropy through grant prospecting, funding research, and development planning.
• Strengthen strategic communications skills by contributing to public awareness initiatives, organizational messaging, and impact storytelling.
• Explore partnership development and learn how nonprofits cultivate relationships with corporate, government, and philanthropic partners.
• Build professional experience and connections through collaboration with nonprofit leadership, communications professionals, and program teams.

This internship offers meaningful experience at the intersection of public policy, nonprofit leadership, strategic communications, and philanthropy. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to the work of an established Los Angeles County nonprofit while developing transferable skills in research, writing, communications, and community engagement.