Development Operations Intern, Summer 2026
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document human rights and humanitarian law violations and prevent abuses, protect survivors, and promote justice and universal human rights for all.
Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks a Development Operations Intern.
Location: New York, New York (hybrid)
Reports to: Individual Giving Manager
Organizational Overview
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) was founded in 1986 by five physicians who were united in the belief that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent harm and promote respect for human rights. Since its founding, PHR has built a long and distinguished record of accomplishment by conducting groundbreaking investigations and advocacy, in concert with strategic partners.
PHR deploys scientific, medical, public health, and forensic technical expertise to document and seek justice for human rights and humanitarian violations and international crimes. Through advocacy and partnerships with affected communities, mobilization of the moral authority of medical and public health professionals, and collaboration with local and international organizations and associations, we empower our networks of health professionals to serve as human rights advocates. In parallel, we strengthen the methods by which clinicians, alongside law enforcement and legal sectors, gather and present evidence that documents cases of human rights violations and war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Internship Description
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is looking for a capable and enthusiastic intern wishing to gain direct experience in fundraising and nonprofit management. The development operations intern will work closely with the PHR development team in researching and tracking individual and institutional donors, developing fundraising campaigns, writing and editing funding proposals and reports, and planning events.
This internship is ideal for a student interested in a career in international nonprofits or fundraising. You will be given exposure to the fundraising processes of an international nonprofit that focuses on international and domestic advocacy and policy efforts on issues such as human rights in armed conflict, medical neutrality, international anti-torture initiatives, international justice, refugee and asylum protection, use of excessive force, and COVID-19 related advocacy.
The development operations intern will attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as regular learning and social events with other interns and staff from PHR to round out the learning experience and complement PHR-provided career mentoring.
PHR offers stipends to student interns. The specific stipend amount will be determined by the average number of hours worked by the intern per week. Details will be further provided during the interview process.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Support the Development team with Salesforce database management and tracking multiple donation streams.
- Assist in research to identify and assess new funding opportunities and prepare thorough, well-written briefings on those opportunities.
- Support writing, editing, and designing fundraising materials and creating other materials to be shared with donors as needed.
- Assist with the cultivation of individual and major gifts ($1K+) through mail processing, donation tracking, and the creation of donor acknowledgements.
- Manage spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel to record donor detail and track gift information.
- Partner with the Development Team to refine processes for donation tracking and donor assessment.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
- Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program of study required; previous coursework in nonprofit management, international development/relations, human rights, or related field preferred but not required.
- Strong written and verbal communications skills required, including excellent editing skills.
- Excellent research and analytical skills are required.
- Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with PHR staff and external partners.
- Demonstrated interest in and commitment to human rights.
- Mature judgment, strong integrity, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality are required.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
- Previous experiences with nonprofit management or fundraising, through coursework, volunteer, or professional experience at local, national, or international level strongly desirable.
Location and Hours
- The internship will follow a hybrid work model, with at least 2 days in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan required.
- Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.
- The internship will commence in June with at least a 12-week commitment.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume, to resumes@phr.org. Include “Development Operations Intern, Summer 2026” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.