Internship, Philanthropy & Communications
IBRI is poised to transform life sciences—and for millions of people, even life itself.
The Opportunity:
The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) is seeking a highly organized, motivated, and collaborative Philanthropy & Communications Intern to support the organization’s fundraising, donor engagement, and communications efforts during the Fall 2026 semester.
This internship provides hands-on experience in philanthropy operations, donor stewardship, strategic communications, and event execution within a nonprofit environment. The intern will support the planning and execution of the IBRI Global Forum on October 29, while also assisting with donor communications, CRM/database projects, and storytelling initiatives across the organization.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and interested in nonprofit development, communications, public relations, healthcare, life sciences, or event management.
Responsibilities:
Philanthropy & Donor Engagement
- Conduct prospect and donor research on individuals, corporations, and foundations
- Support donor stewardship activities
- Assist with CRM/database and data quality initiatives
- Help maintain donor records
- Contribute to donor profile development and audience research
Communications Support
- Draft and edit communications content and collateral, including email copy, social media messaging, newsletters, website content, event materials, and other communications assets
- Support storytelling initiatives that highlight IBRI programs, partnerships, and impact
- Collaborate on audience-focused messaging frameworks and communications strategies
- Conduct research, track communications metrics, and assist with reporting and project coordination for communications initiatives
IBRI Global Forum Support (October 29)
- Assist with event logistics, registration preparation, and onsite event support
- Help coordinate materials and timelines
- Support post-event follow-up and stewardship activities
Qualifications:
- Current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing studies in communications, public relations, nonprofit management, marketing, business, journalism, event management, or a related field
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Professional, collaborative, and dependable
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
- Interest in philanthropy, nonprofit work, healthcare, or biosciences preferred
Internship Details
- Schedule: 15–20 hours per week
- Duration: Mid-August through Mid-December 2026
- Location: Onsite at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) in Indianapolis
About Us:
The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) is a first-in-class translational medicine institute dedicated to advancing life sciences in the race to eliminate disease and improve human health and life.
By connecting early-stage biotech companies with cutting-edge life science discoveries —and backed by the mission and resources of industry leaders, investors, and philanthropic partners—IBRI is successfully evolving a new, independent model to conquer disease, uniting previously fragmented forces in the quest for cures.
Carefully curating and supporting early-stage companies with investment, talent, and space, IBRI strategically accelerates drug discovery. Our work benefits from the relatively low cost of living and doing business here, allowing more resources to be directed toward science.
Fueled by the same entrepreneurial creativity as the groundbreaking scientific work we support, IBRI’s labs advance research across the frontiers of diabetes, metabolic disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and rare pediatric diseases. Our ambitious public–private vision cultivates talent while efficiently bridging the gap between research-driven inquiry and profit-driven drug development.
At IBRI, cures are launched on a clear pathway to clinical trials, enabled by the combined resources and experience of our academic and industry partners, without the typical pressure to deliver rapid results for commercialization. IBRI labs pursue breakthroughs that might never happen elsewhere. Breakthroughs are happening here. Our novel financing model ensures that when discoveries are ready for clinical trials, the intellectual property is sold back to industry or spun off, creating a direct stream of revenue.
By every measure, the IBRI model demonstrates a novel approach that delivers rewards. Scientific bench work is nurtured, drug discovery is advanced, workforce development is continuous, investors see returns, and donors see impact. Most importantly, IBRI’s structure and portfolio of accomplishments matter to the patients whose lives are improved—or even saved—by this forward-looking approach to life sciences.
IBRI is driven to bring next-generation therapies to market with an understanding of the complex pressures that often bind innovation to economics. After more than a decade, the evidence is clear: IBRI is poised to transform life sciences—and for millions of people, even life itself.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The IBRI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.