POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Fall Intern to support the Development and Membership teams. Working directly with the Senior Director of Development, this position offers a unique opportunity to learn the inner workings of a nonprofit organization while gaining practical experience in philanthropy, donor stewardship, membership operations, and database management.
This position allows the right candidate to learn hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, and membership operations while helping protect the Adirondack Park.
About the Adirondack Mountain Club
ADK works to protect New York State wild lands and waters by promoting responsible outdoor recreation and building a statewide constituency of land stewardship advocates. Since 1922, the organization has worked to increase access to the backcountry by building trails, conserving natural areas, and developing a stewardship community that supports the ethical and safe use of New York’s outdoor spaces. A member, donor, and volunteer-supported organization, ADK reaches across New York through its 22 chapters to inspire people to enjoy the outdoors ethically.
POSITION SUMMARY
The intern will assist with administrative and fundraising projects related to ADK’s development operations, major donor program, planned giving efforts, naming opportunities, and membership administration. The intern will gain valuable experience working alongside senior leadership and learning how donor and membership programs help advance ADK’s mission.
This role is ideal for a student or early-career professional interested in nonprofit management, fundraising, philanthropy, environmental conservation, data management, or the operations that support mission-driven organizations. Candidates interested in learning how nonprofit organizations protect natural resources and engage supporters in conservation work are encouraged to apply.
The position is primarily based in ADK’s Saratoga Springs office, with occasional opportunities to travel to ADK’s Heart Lake Program Center in Lake Placid for special projects.
This internship provides exposure to:
- Nonprofit leadership and operations
- Fundraising and donor stewardship
- Major gifts fundraising
- Planned giving programs
- Membership management
- Salesforce database administration
The intern will work closely with the Senior Director of Development and gain valuable insight into how philanthropy supports ADK’s mission to protect New York’s wild lands and waters.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist the Senior Director of Development with donor stewardship and administrative projects.
- Help prepare gift acknowledgment letters and other donor/member communications.
- Maintain organized records related to major donors, planned giving, and naming opportunities.
- Perform data entry and record updates in Salesforce
- Support ADK’s efforts to securely handle donor and payment information in accordance with PCI compliance standards.
- Assist with processing new memberships and renewals.
- Help maintain accurate membership records and support member services.
- Conduct research on prospective donors and philanthropic trends.
- Assist staff in implementing technology and process improvements where appropriate.
- Complete other administrative projects as assigned
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a college or university program.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information.
- Interest in environmental organizations, fundraising, nonprofit management, or related fields.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to learn new systems and software quickly.
- Comfortable working independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
- Experience with Salesforce, databases, or CRM systems is helpful but not required.
- Interest in technology and process improvement is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and accountability.
- Enthusiasm for ADK’s mission and conservation efforts.
BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION
Reports to: Senior Director of Development
Classification: Part-Time Internship (15–20 hours/week)
Dates: October 2026 – January 2027 (flexible end date)
Compensation: $17 per hour
Benefits:
- Direct mentorship from senior nonprofit leadership
- Hands-on experience with fundraising and membership operations
- Exposure to Salesforce and nonprofit database management
- Opportunities to participate in organizational projects and initiatives
- One-year ADK membership, providing access to member discounts and opportunities to participate in activities hosted by more than 20 ADK chapters
- Free ADK workshops and employee discounts where applicable
- Valuable professional networking and career development opportunities
HOW TO APPLY
Send a resume and brief cover letter (PDFs only) to [email protected]. Please include “Development and Membership Intern” in the subject line.
ORGANIZATIONAL STATEMENT
As an organization, we appreciate a diverse set of skills and candidates eager and willing to grow and learn with our organization. As such, our job descriptions are general overviews, not a mandatory comprehensive list. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills and aptitude to succeed in this role, we want to hear from you.
ADK affirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity for all individuals. Decisions about recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, compensation, benefits, and all similar employment matters are made in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, military status or any other classification protected by federal or state law. Any discrimination in the workplace against persons protected by equal employment opportunity laws is illegal and against policy.