Development Intern

Development Intern - Events and Hospitality

The Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA), founded in 1891, is a nonprofit organization whose objective is to "promote, influence, and assist in financing the varsity athletic programs of the midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy" in accordance with the policy of the Superintendent of the Academy. Through an intercollegiate athletics program that is one of the largest in the country, every midshipman is afforded the opportunity to compete in athletics at the Division I level. The emphasis on physical fitness is borne out in the first line of the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy: To develop midshipmen morally, mentally and physically.

Summary

The Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA) seeks an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and service-driven individual to serve as its Intern - Events and Hospitality (10-month paid internship). This role is designed for those interested in pursuing a career in athletic development, event management, or donor engagement. The Intern will play a key role in executing donor-facing events and hospitality experiences, supporting the Athletic Development team's engagement strategy, and ensuring a high-level experience for Navy Athletics supporters. This position offers hands-on experience in Division I athletics, fundraising operations, and premium event execution.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the planning and execution of donor engagement and stewardship events, including the annual Army-Navy Football game, Navy Football home games, Navy Basketball Hospitality, and Navy Lacrosse hospitality;
• Coordinate game day hospitality operations, including credentialing, guest lists, space setup, and donor experience;
• Assist with logistics for special events, including facility coordination, vendor communication, and event timelines;
• Support outreach and communication efforts related to events, including invitations, confirmations, and follow-up;
• Assist with donor stewardship efforts, including event-related communications, ThankView outreach, and post-event follow-up;
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Athletic Development Office as needed;
• Serves as a staff member of a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - sanctioned athletics program, and understands that NCAA rules and regulations must be followed and strictly adhered to. Maintains an understanding and awareness of applicable NCAA rules via annual compliance briefs to staff, the NCAA Manual, copies of which are maintained in the Compliance Office, regular compliance item e-mails generated by the Compliance Office, and the NCAA official website (ncaapublications.com - Div I Manual). Immediately notifies the Compliance Office if a potential violation of NCAA rules is observed. Understands that non-compliance with NCAA rules and regulations may be grounds for termination of employment; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience, Education, & Certification(s)
  
  • Bachelor's Degree; required - preferred in hospitality, sports management, business, or related area.
  • Prior experience in event planning, hospitality, development, athletics administration, or a related field preferred; relevant internship or volunteer experience considered.
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills, with strong attention to detail;
  • Ability to build relationships and work effectively in a team setting;
  • Ability to work nights and weekends for events throughout the year; and
  • Have a strong work ethic while working in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Must be eligible to work in the United States of America, without sponsorship.
• Must be eligible to work on a military installation, including a willingness to submit to a background screen.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Work Conditions/Physical Requirements

• This job operates in both a professional office environment and outside at sport-related events, including inclement weather
• This job requires flexibility and adaptability in schedule and the ability to perform job-related duties on short notice
• Sitting for extended periods (typically 6-8 hours per day)
• Occasional standing or walking (e.g., to retrieve files, go to meetings)
• Hand and finger dexterity (e.g., typing, using a mouse, handling paperwork)
• Repetitive hand and wrist movements (e.g., keyboarding, data entry)
• Visual acuity (e.g., reading screens, documents)
• Minimal lifting requirements (usually under 10-15 lbs., such as files, laptops)
• Hearing ability (e.g., participating in phone calls, video conferences)
• Basic upper body movement (e.g., reaching for office supplies, opening drawers)
• Occasional bending or twisting (e.g., picking up items, adjusting seating)
• Cognitive focus and mental stamina (e.g., prolonged concentration on tasks)

Travel

• Travel to special events at neutral sites required (Army-Navy Football, Navy-Notre Dame Football, etc.).

The NAAA Featured Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid accrued vacation and sick days
• NAAA paid life/AD&D insurance

Pay Range

$16/hour. This position is eligible for occasional overtime as needed with supervisor approval.

Application Process

• Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references
• Applications will be accepted until position is filled

Disclaimer Statement

This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.