Careers & Internships
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Thank you for your interest in interning at Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. At this time, we are recruiting for the following positions:
Marketing and Communications Intern
The Marketing and Communications Intern will assist with marketing and communications efforts of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire while further developing skills in marketing, brand management, and written and oral communications.
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Create content and captions for social media channels include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
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Assist with monthly newsletter by curating content for Wishful Thinking eNewsletter
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Manage media on Sharepoint by uploading photos and labeling content
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Assist with event marketing for the Wish Gala and the Trailblaze Challenge
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Research photos for events look book
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Research sponsors and adding handles to the Social Media Plan
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Assist with translating content into Spanish, if applicable
Development and Youth Programs Intern
Development and Youth Programs Intern will assist the work with the Development team to help plan and produce events, interact with donors, and strengthen relationships with local school clubs.
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Assist with coordinating event logistics
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Design creative touches to enhance guest experience
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Research and draft grant proposals
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Assist with creating promotional material related to youth engagement programs
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Strengthen relationships with local schools
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Assist with communications between students and club advisors involved with Make-A-Wish OCIE
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Conduct research and outreach related to major projects, campaigns, and fundraising events
Events Intern
The Events Intern will work with the Development and Executive team to help plan and produce all Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire events. Intern will also provide general assistance, office support, interact with donors, and vendors relating to the events. Interns will gain valuable knowledge about the development process in a local non-profit as well as strengthen affinity to the Make-A-Wish OCIE mission.
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Assist in event and project management
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Learn the development and fundraising aspects that set non-profit events apart
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Design creative touches to enhance guest experience
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Contact and steward donors
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Conduct research and outreach related to major projects, campaigns and fundraising events
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Support communications and marketing related to events
Interns for Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire give their time and talents to help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. All of our internships are unpaid; however, in return for their hard work and dedication, our interns receive valuable training, knowledge, hands-on non-profit work experience, a chance to meet others, and the gratification of making a difference in the life of a child.
Academic credit can also be provided for students (specific criteria/requirements of the student’s educational institution apply). All interns must be a current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a university/college course within their internship semester (over the age of 18) with excellent written and oral communications skills, organizational skills, attention to detail, the ability to multitask and maintain confidentiality, computer proficiency, and a passion for the work of Make-A-Wish.
All internships are planned to be in-person at our Irvine office. To be considered for a position, please fill out the following Internship Application.
Please note that the dates below are subject to change. Based on a student's availability and school schedule, internships can begin or end before or after the dates indicated below.
2026 ACADEMIC YEAR
FALL 2026
Dates of program: Tentatively September 7 - December 11
Applications Accepted: August 3 - August 10
Interns generally work between 8-10 hours per week. While these time frames work best for most students, all scheduling, including start/end dates and hours per week, is flexible and negotiated between the candidate and their supervisor.
All hired interns must successfully complete a background check and attend an orientation session prior to beginning their internship.
Should you have any questions during the application process, please email internships@ocie.wish.org.